JUST IN: INEC begins deployment of personnel, materials for Ekiti Governorship, bye-elections

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the deployment of election personnel and sensitive materials ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election and bye-elections scheduled to hold in parts of Rivers, Nasarawa and Enugu states.

The electoral body said the movement of officials and materials to polling units began in the early hours of Saturday as part of final preparations to ensure the timely commencement of voting.

In Rivers State, INEC disclosed that election personnel and materials were being deployed from the Super Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area, to polling units across the Rivers South-East Senatorial District for the senatorial bye-election.

According to the commission, the deployment process was progressing smoothly as officials moved to their assigned locations for the conduct of the poll.

INEC also announced the commencement of the distribution of election materials and personnel to polling units in Ekiti South-West Local Government Area ahead of the governorship election.

The commission said the movement began at approximately 6:15 a.m., describing it as a critical stage in preparations for the smooth conduct of the election across the state.

The governorship election is expected to determine who will lead Ekiti State for the next four years.

In Nasarawa State, INEC reported that election materials had been successfully deployed to polling units in Akwanga Local Government Area for the bye-election.

The commission stated that polling units 001, 002 and 003 at LGEA Central Primary School had commenced set-up procedures, while the movement of personnel and materials started at about 7:00 a.m.

INEC said the deployment exercise forms part of its commitment to ensuring the timely opening of polling units and the smooth conduct of elections across the affected states.

The commission has repeatedly assured voters of its readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections, while urging electoral officials to adhere strictly to established guidelines and procedures.

Security agencies have also intensified preparations across the affected states to ensure a peaceful electoral process and safeguard voters, election officials and materials.