From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Zango Abdu, has assured that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully prepared to conduct the state Assembly by-election in Bagwai, Shanono, and Ghari (Kunchi) local government areas of the state on Saturday.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kano on Thursday, Abdu said both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials had been distributed to local government areas ahead of the polls.
“Non-sensitive materials have been at the local governments for three weeks, batched according to registration areas and polling units. Sensitive materials have also arrived and will be moved to the local governments this evening in the presence of party agents and security officials”, he stated.
The REC explained that all ad hoc staff had completed their training and had been deployed, while security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security had pledged adequate deployment to safeguard the process.
“Stop-and-search operations and police deployments have already commenced in the affected areas”, he said.
On election technology, Abdu said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices had been configured and verified for use.
“Voter’s card is the only mandatory requirement. If your card is not recognised by BVAS, you will not be allowed to vote. There will be no alternative procedure”, he added.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, stressing that the commission remained non-partisan and would only declare candidates duly elected by voters.
“Our major concern is the political class. They have signed a peace accord and assured us they will conduct themselves responsibly.
“Violence adds no value to the process, and citizens must be allowed to freely choose their leaders”, he said.
On result collation, Abdu explained that polling unit results would be announced at the respective units before being taken to the Registration Area Centres (RAC) for collation and declaration.
“For Gari, due to past challenges, final collation and declaration will take place at INEC headquarters”, he added.
According to the REC, the Ghari supplementary poll will be conducted in 10 polling units with 5,200 registered voters, following a court order.
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