The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that two million registered voters are anticipated to participate in the off-cycle governorship election scheduled for Saturday in Kogi.
The election is slated to take place in 3,508 polling units spread across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The LGAs encompass Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Kogi, Lokoja, Mopamuro, Ofu, Ogori-Magongo, Okene, Okehi, Olamaboro, Omala, Yagba-East, and Yagba-West.
Dr. Gabriel Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, assured that the commission is fully prepared for the election.
Longpet mentioned that the commission had enlisted more than 15,000 temporary staff to assist in ensuring the seamless execution of the poll.
“We have 3,508 polling units, and each of these units will be manned by four ad hoc staff aside from the security personnel that will be around to ensure peaceful conduct of the election.”
“We shall deploy more staff and BVAS in densely populated polling units to complement those we will use.”
“To be precise, we are going to use more than 900 backup BVAS.”
“This is because some polling units have more than 1,000 to 2,000 registered voters, and we have to split the number by creating more voting points for easy voting.”
“This has become imperative, as we don’t want to give room for anything that will delay the process.”
“As soon as there is a report of any BVAS failure or challenge, we shall provide another one and configure it to that polling unit for smooth continuation of voting,” he said.
Longpet mentioned that the BVAS had been set up in all 21 local government areas of the state in preparation for the election.
In addition, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, stated that more than 40,000 police officers would be stationed throughout the state to guarantee the peaceful execution of the election.
Onuoha explained that the substantial deployment of personnel was influenced by previous instances of violence during elections in the state.
“As it is, we have marked out some security flash points for more vigilance, even though recent happenings have signaled to us that the whole Kogi is a flashpoint.”
“From the number of security personnel we are deploying for this election, it’s enough testimony to tell you that the state needs more security checks.”
“With adequate security personnel in Kogi, we are calling on everybody to come out and exercise his or her civic right in Saturday’s governorship election.”
“We are going to swim the state with enough security personnel, and by the special grace of God, with our actions and sanctions, we are going to confound our detractors,” he said.
Onuoha added, “God is telling me that this election is going to be better than all the elections ever held here in Kogi.”
“We have directed our personnel to be fair to everybody because we come here to serve the people and not any particular individual.”
The Commissioner of Police encouraged politicians to adhere to the rules of the game, emphasizing that elections are transient, but the impact on the people endures.
“We expect that they should adopt politics without bitterness. Your brother is your brother, no matter where he belongs politically,” he said.
Onuoha cautioned troublemakers, particularly political thugs, against engaging in any disruptive activities during the election, emphasizing that security forces are fully prepared to address any such incidents.
“In elections, you don’t use matches and guns to force people to give you votes. Such people will meet the wrath of the law.”
“What we want in Kogi is a peaceful and successful election. Therefore, politicians must play according to the rules of the game or be dealt with.”
“The traditional rulers should help us talk to their subjects to maintain peace throughout the election period because it will come and go and we will all remain as residents,” said the police chief.
On Wednesday, a total of eighteen political parties participating in the election joined in signing a peace accord in preparation for the upcoming poll. Among the participating parties were the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the Action Alliance (AA).
Additional parties that endorsed the accord included the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), the National Rescue Movement, and the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
Addressing the gathering, retired Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, appealed to the candidates to conduct their political activities within the boundaries of established rules. Abubakar, represented by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, urged all participating parties to uphold the terms of the accord throughout the election process.