The sixteen Local Government Areas in Ekiti State have received the delivery of sensitive election materials ahead of the Saturday polls.
The Nigeria electoral body commenced the distribution of election materials on Wednesday before the 2023 general elections beginning this weekend.
The materials were distributed today at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Ado-Ekiti, in the presence of stakeholders, including security agents and party representatives.
In his remark, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Prof Ayobami Salami, said the early distribution was to avoid lateness of the materials to the polling units on election day.
Salami boasts that the commission was prepared to conduct elections on Saturday as scheduled, noting that everything needed for the smooth poll conduct was ready.
The REC reassured Nigerians that their votes would count, calling on them to come out to exercise their franchise during the election.
Speaking on behalf of other political parties, the chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Ekiti State, Owoola Daramola, expressed satisfaction with the distribution process of the materials and expressed optimism that the election would be transparent.
Earlier, during the briefing of observer groups that will participate in the election in Ekiti State, Prof Salami urged them to be transparent and neutral and avoid partisanship in discharging their duties.
He told them not to be judgemental in their reports, saying their accounts could affect the legitimacy of the 2023 elections; hence they must be factual while giving their words.
“We expect a final report that will guide us in future elections, and the report should look at the entire electoral process rather than concentrating only on the proceedings of just one day,” he stated.
In his remark, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Moronkeji Adesina, said the police, in conjunction with other security agencies in the state, are prepared to ensure the safety of voters during the polls.
Represented by Olu-Victor Babayemi, the Commissioner of Police, noted that a control centre has been created where observations and complaints could be forwarded for quick response.
