The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials ahead of governorship poll on Saturday in Ekiti State, marking the start of the final phase of preparations for the exercise.
Penpushing reports that the electoral officials, security personnel and party agents monitored the exercise as preparations intensified for the election that will determine who succeeds Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is also seeking re-election.
The distribution commenced on at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises in Ado-Ekiti, where ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive materials are set to be dispatched to the 16 local government areas under the supervision of electoral officials, security agencies and representatives of political parties.
Penpushing further reports that the commencement of the distribution comes amid renewed calls for peaceful conduct from political leaders and government officials ahead of the poll, while the electoral commission has repeatedly assured voters and political stakeholders of its readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible election across the state’s local government areas.
The distribution of the materials is a critical component of election preparations, as it ensures ballot papers, result sheets and other essential materials are delivered to designated locations before polling day.
Penpushing also reports that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is a candidate seeking second term, it would be recalled on Wednesday in a statewide broadcast, appealed to political stakeholders, security agencies, and voters for peaceful conduct during the election.
“So far, this current political electioneering has been the most peaceful in the history of our State, and we must do everything to ensure that the election and post-election activities remain peaceful,” he said.
Penpushing reports that Oyebamiji added that Ekiti state has maintained a reputation for peaceful elections and called on residents to preserve the state’s democratic culture by conducting themselves responsibly before, during and after the election.
The security agencies in same vein, have stepped up deployments across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order and ensure the safety of voters, election officials and election materials.
Penpushing further reports that candidates for the governorship race are from 13 political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other registered political parties.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding Governor Oyebanji, to seek his second term after emerging as the party’s candidate, while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is fielding Oluwole Oluyede as its candidate
Penpushing also reports that other parties’ candidates are not left out as they intensified campaigns across the state as parties make a final push to persuade voters ahead of Saturday’s election.
Meanwhile, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, assuring them that measures have been put in place to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.
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