- INEC has affirmed that it will not revisit polling units in case of election cancellations due to violence during the gubernatorial election
- The commission will deploy additional personnel, and the police have mobilized specialized units to ensure a peaceful election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a resolute commitment not to revisit any polling units in the event of election cancellations due to violence. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, relayed this decision during a gathering in Yenagoa on Tuesday. The meeting, aimed at preparing for the upcoming Saturday gubernatorial election, brought together key stakeholders.
Yakubu, represented by INEC National Commissioner overseeing Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, May Agbamuche-Mbu, unequivocally stated, “Where there is violence, it will be zero; we will not return to that polling unit to conduct an election.”
To ensure the smooth oversight of the electoral process, the commission will deploy two national commissioners and eight Resident Electoral Commissioners to provide support in Bayelsa.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State’s Commissioner of Police, Tolani Alausa, assured that law enforcement is fully prepared to guarantee a peaceful election in the state this Saturday. Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, Ijamah Daniel, speaking on behalf of the police chief, revealed plans to deploy three to six personnel to each polling unit.
Beyond these measures, the Inspector General of Police has deployed as many as 21 units of mobile police force, along with specialized units such as the special force, the counter-terrorism unit, and special protection unit, all heading to Bayelsa State.
Denise Otiotio, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), voiced concerns over certain political parties allegedly acquiring BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System) and printing result sheets to replace original ones post-election. In response, he urged INEC to insist on signing all result sheets before their release for the election. These actions signify INEC’s unwavering commitment to the integrity of the electoral process.