Osun poll must be credible – Jega

From Ayodele Samuel, Osogbo

Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, yesterday assured stakeholders that the up-coming Osun state gubernatorial election cannot be compromised but free, fair and credible.

This is coming as security agencies, including Nigerian Army troops, Nigeria Police, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Directorate of State Security Service, among others mount strategic positions across the state.

Jega, speaking at a stakeholders; meeting, organised by INEC in Osogbo, said the election cannot be compromised, given the level of the Commission’s preparation.

“All is set for the August 9 governorship election here in Osun state. We have prepared adequately and meticulously to ensure that this election is free, fair and credible,” Jega said.

He said since 2011, INEC has ensured that the ballot papers are serially numbered. He said result sheets have also been customised.

“We have even gone further to do colour coding of ballot papers. The colour of the ballot papers are different from one local government to another. We did it in Ekiti and we have done it also in Osun,” Jega said.

He said election material will be distributed today (Thursday) and parties will be given coded map.

Jega said INEC has also ensured that in every polling unit, there will be a cubicle where people can go and cast their votes in secret.

He called on political parties to pay attention to credible party agents and at different levels of the collation centers. Leading in 2015, Jega said the commission has requested parties to nominate people for the training of party agents.

He said permanent voters cards will be used in the Osun election. “In Osun over 70 percent of permanent voters cards have been collected and called on all stakeholders to participate in the peaceful conduct of the election.

Meanwhile, heavily armed security agents yesterday morning took over the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, venue of the rally, organised by workers of Osun State, to show support for the re-election of Governor Ra’uf Aregbesola.