2023: INEC warns voters against election malpractice

By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)has declared its readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible Presidential, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

The electoral body through its National Commissioner for Osun, Ondo and Ogun States, Prof. Kunle Ajayi stated this on Thursday while speaking at a stakeholders meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.

He said all the materials to be used for the election are ready except for the “sensitive materials” which, according to him, is in custody of Central Bank Of Nigeria,and will be made available hours before the election.

He enjoined all stakeholders to sensitise others to behave themselves during the election process so as to ensure a Hitch-Free election.

Also in his address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke said that the 3,763 Polling Units, 332 wards and 30 Local Government Areas in Osun State have been mapped out towards the election, explaining that a total sum of 1,954,800 accredited voters have been recorded.

He added that 16,174 adhoc staff, (including Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Collation and Returning officers) have been trained to ensure a seemless electoral process, stressing that people with disabilities, pregnant women and nursing mothers will be promptly attended to.

Dr Agboke then warned electorates not to be involved in any electoral malpractice as this will automatically result in jail term for anyone found guilty.

Speaking, Osun State Commissioner for Police, Mr Kehinde Longe advised everyone present to read and master the electoral laws as ignorance would not be accepted as excuse for any crime committed.

The State Director, National Youth Service Corp, Mrs Abdulwahab, appealed to all stakeholders to allow the Corp Members trained to do their jobs, without fear or intimidation.