By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s INEC, accredited observer group, for Ekiti State election, has affirmed the exercise as the most transparent elections in the history of Nigeria.
The Center for Credible Leadership And Citizens Awareness submitted that the processes was consistent with the relevant electoral laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Addressing the press, the Director General of the group, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, unequivocally stated that the election was free, transparent and intandem with the law.
He commended YIAGA AFRICA and Channels Television for the collaboration in enhancing the viewing portals of INEC for the wider reach of all Nigerians online and real time.
INEC is here commended for initiating the latest amendments in the electoral act and the introduction of the BVAS Technology backed by law which has made the electorates vote count.This has increased the populace believe and trust in our electoral system.
According to him, the elections actually held across the 2,445 Polling Units of Ekiti state.
Breaking down result he informed that the APC candidate who emerged winner of the election polled 187,057 against his closest rival the SDP candidate who scored 82,211 voters. While the PDP candidate scored 67,457 votes.
He recorded that 749,065 voters out of 988,923 registered voters collected their PVCs in Ekiti state. Election was conducted in 2,445 Polling Units, 177 Wards across 16 Local Government Areas.
“That we observed the distribution of sensitive materials from the INEC State office in Ado Ekiti to the LGAs, then to the RAC centres and then to the polling units. (3).That election commenced between 8.00-8.30am across the state.
“That the BVAS Technology as introduced by INEC functioned optimally in 94% of areas visited. Malfunctioning of the BVAS Technology was observed in 6% of the state and INEC was prompt in replacing then with election continuing almost immediately.
“We observed that there were pockets of vote buying especially in Ado and Oyeh. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were on ground and the operetives arrested some persons allegedly believed to be buying votes in one of the locations. Now, this is not enough fact to prove that the entire process was marred by vote buying as this was observed in pockets of polling units visited.
The performance of the BVAS Technology improved significantly from what was observed in Anambra state Governorship election.
“That the Centre observed a significant reduction in the snatching of ballot boxes. This could be largely attributed to the latest amendments of the electoral act 2022.”
Consequently, he advice those who lost i in this election to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship by congratulating the APC candidate who won the election.
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