The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, with increased security presence at its office along the Gbongan-Ibadan Road in Osogbo.
Our correspondent observed a large number of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, at the INEC premises as preparations continue for their deployment across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Election stakeholders, including civil society organisations, journalists and election observers, were also at the commission’s office ahead of the exercise.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, is reportedly meeting with National Commissioners and supporting Resident Electoral Commissioners from other states as final arrangements for the election are concluded.
The election is scheduled to take place in 3,763 polling units across 332 wards in the 30 local government areas of the state.
INEC had on Thursday disclosed that 1,906,390 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been collected ahead of the election.
According to a statement by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the figure represents 81.50 per cent of the 2,339,233 registered voters in the state.
The commission said the remaining 426,842 PVCs, representing 18.50 per cent, had been safely deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in line with its established practice.
INEC also disclosed that 6,101 voters who applied for replacement of damaged, defaced or lost PVCs had printed downloadable copies of their cards.
The commission urged stakeholders and residents to cooperate with officials and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
