The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on
Monday declared that it has put everything in place to conduct a hitch-free
exercise, in the Osun West senatorial district.
The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Baritor
Kpagih, who was deployed to the state to supervise the exercize, disclosed this
to journalists at a press conference, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Mr
Fimihan Adeoye and leadership of military and paramilitary agencies in the
state.
Kpagih said voting will commence across wards in the
Senatorial District by 8am and end by 2pm, adding that whosoever was on queue
by 2pm would still be allowed to vote.
He noted that accreditation and voting will take place at
the same time, explaining that eleven political parties are fielding candidates
in the election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner said only voters with
Permanent Voters Cards, verified by card readers would be allowed to vote,
adding that the materials to be used are customized on local government basis,
with difference in colours of the ballots.
The Commissioner of police, Mr. Olafimihan Adeoye, in his
remarks said there would be restriction of vehicular movement between the hours
of 6:00am and 6:00pm on the election day, with an exception of Ibadan/Ife
expressway, which shall not be blocked to traffic.
Warning that anyone caught formenting trouble would be made
to face full wrath of the law regardless of his or her party affiliations,
advising those who have no role to play in the election to stay off polling
areas.
However, the Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
at a mega rally organised by his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), has
called on the people of West Senatorial District to vote APC candidate, Senator
Mudashir Husein.
According to Aregbesola, the return of Husein would afford
him the opportunity to “build on his achievements while in office between 2011
and 2014”.
He urged electorates in the district to play according to
the rules of the process, and be peaceful all through.
By Ajibola Olaniyi
