Anambra elections: INEC commences administration of sensitive materials
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the administration of sensitive materials across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State in respect to Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.
The materials deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Awka, included the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), ballot booklets, result sheets and other documentary materials for use at various polling units during the exercise.
According to the INEC national commissioner in charge of Anambra election supervision, Festus Okoye, seven resident electoral commissioners are already in the state to take charge of three local government areas each on the election day.
The commissioner said adequate security arrangements are provided to secure the materials at INEC offices in all local government areas of the state.
He added that vehicles conveying the materials are electronically tracked to ensure they followed identified routes to their destinations.
“The materials were brought out for intact assessment by political party agents, before being handed over to each of the electoral officers for the 21 local government areas of the State to be escorted by security agents,” he explained.
The Director of Electoral Operation, INEC, Mr Abdulrazak Yusuf said the materials are uniquely designed for only their designated polling units. He stated that the Commission also made provisions for replacements both for result sheets and ballot papers in the event of damage or emergencies.
Speaking separately, representatives of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Tony Ifeanyi; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Alex Obiogbolu and their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Mr Chukwuma Agufugo, expressed satisfaction with the process.
Suzan O /NAN