EKITI: INEC assures of transparent election as confusion mars stakeholders meeting

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured the people of the state of a free and transparent poll.

Yakubu stated this on Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting in the state that was attended by the Inspector General of Police, Mr.Ibrahim Idris, candidates of different political parties, traditional rulers, and heads of security agencies amongst others.

He said, ”I wish to once again reassure you that the choice of who becomes the next governor of Ekiti State is entirely in the hands of the voters. The votes will count.Only the choice made by the people of Ekiti State and nothing else will determine the outcome of the election.

”We are confident that with the arrangements we have put in place and the assurances of support from all stakeholders ,the Ekiti election 2018 will be another good example of a free, fair, credible, peaceful election and a further affirmation of the maturity of our democracy.”

Speaking also, the IGP assured of adequate security during and after the poll to ensure security of lives and property.

“It is the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force as the foremost internal security agency complemented by other security agencies to provide adequate security for this election and i can assure you that we are fully prepared for it.

“The task of providing security involves gathering intelligence around the election to forestall any threats or violence, the physical protection and safety of electoral personnel both permanent and ad-hoc staff, electoral observers and electoral materials during and after the elections until results are collated and announced,” he said.

Meanwhile, the interactive session of the meeting ended in rowdiness as unruly attitude of some party supporters forced the meeting to an abrupt end.

READ ALSO: EKITI GOV POLL: Police deploy 30,000 personnel, helicopters, others

A representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had raised concerns about security ahead of the election, alleging that members of the party are being harrased by security agencies under alleged instructions from the All Progresses Congress(APC).

The allegation drew uncontrollable reactions with some participants believed to be supporters of the PDP continuing to shout and sing, refusing to stop.

When all efforts by the Ekiti State Council of Obas, Oba Michael Ademolaju, INEC chairman, IGP were not able to calm the rowdy situation, the meeting was brought to an abrupt end.

 

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