Contrary to the speculations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may postpone the July 8 Osun West senatorial bye-election, the commission on Monday, affirmed that the date has not been shifted.
The commission at a Stakeholders’ Meeting held at their secretariat in Osogbo expressed optimism that the election will be free, fair, credible and acceptable to the people.
The stakeholders meeting comprised of INEC officials, Security agencies, representatives of political parties, the media among others.
Speaking, the election officer who is the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Delta State Mr. Baritor Kpagih who said the commission is fully prepared for the election sought for the cooperation of the stakeholders.
Kpagih who was deployed to Osun State to conduct the election disclosed that while eleven political parties would participate in the election only electorates with Permanent Voters Card (PVC) verified by card readers would be allowed to vote during the election. .
The REC who further disclosed that voting and accreditation would take place simultaneously said voting would hold between 8:00am and 2:00pm adding, however, that whosoever was on queue at the closing hour would be allowed to vote.
He also said that three national commissioners, two administrative secretaries as well as directors and assistant directors from the commission would be joining him for the election.
Kpagih then promised not to work for anybody or any party but do his job accordingly adding that the election is not a one man election.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of police, Mr. Olafimihan Adeoye announced the restriction of vehicular movement between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm on election day adding, however, that Ibadan/Ife expressway would be free for passage.
He warned those who have no business in the electoral process to stay off ballot area adding that security agencies will collaborate to ensure a violent free election.
In his remark, the Director of NYSC Mr. Emmanuel Attah appealed to politicians not to harass or intimidate corps members deployed as INEC ad hoc staff while performing their duty.
He noted that there are no fake corp members in the state adding that whosoever attempts to impersonate corp members would be detected promptly and made to face the music.
Also, the Controller of Immigration in the State, Mr. Idowu Adebowale said his command would not tolerate miscreants attempting to loiter around polling units.
He warned foreigners to stay away from polling units as they are not entitled to vote.
Packaged by Bunmi Oladejo
