Electoral Umpire in Kogi State Set for 2023 Elections
Yahaya Ndambabo and Shiktra Shalangwa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi state, North-central Nigeria, says it is fully ready for the general election tomorrow 25th February, 2023.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Hale Longpet, stated this in an interview with Voice of Nigeria at the INEC office in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.
Dr. Longpet said to avoid late arrival of materials, the Commission ordered that materials be dispatched to difficult areas first so that the materials get there in time.
‘As it is now, all the electoral officers have reached their destination safely.
‘I expect they’re now matching up the various materials, according to the various Registration Areas – that is at ward level- where adhoc staff will now convey and distribute,’ said Dr. Longpet.
Speaking on the synergy with security agencies, the INEC REC said the Commission has been assured by the security outfits in the state that adhoc staff will not be kept waiting to avoid delay.
Consequently, according to him, elections are expected to start by 8:30 a.m local time.
‘Yesterday we received materials and distributed materials – sensitive and non sensitive materials – to all the local government areas.
‘For the non-sensitive materials, we did that about a month ago, while for the sensitive materials, we received the last batch a night before; and yesterday, we inspected them.
‘We were able to inspect with members of the political parties, security agencies and civil society organizations to ascertain that the materials are correct and are meant for Kogi and for the three sets of election tomorrow,’ he explained.
Similarly, the youth leader of one of the political parties in the state, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, said the youths have been preparing in the last three months.
He said the youths have been trained in Kogi state to ensure that the election is peaceful, free and fair.
Mr. Mohammed also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the INEC, while anticipating a hundred per cent turnout of the youths.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
