'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a crucial reminder to political parties regarding the submission of their agents' lists ahead of the Edo State Governorship election. At the third regular quarterly consultative meeting held in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline for uploading agents' information, which is set for midnight tomorrow, July 30, 2024.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted that the submission of agents' details, including photographs, is mandatory as per item 9 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, released nearly a year ago on September 26, 2023. "As of yesterday, 14 political parties have uploaded the details of 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents for the Edo State Governorship election," Prof. Yakubu stated. He noted with concern that three parties have yet to upload any polling agents, and five have not provided information for Ward, Local Government, and State collation centers.
The INEC Chairman stressed that meeting the deadline is critical to ensure the production and distribution of accreditation tags for agents in time for the election, which is scheduled for September 21, 2024. "I urge you to ensure that you meet the deadline so that the Commission can produce the accreditation tags and deliver them to you for distribution to your agents in good time," he said.
Prof. Yakubu also provided an update on the preparations for the Edo State election, noting that the Commission has made significant progress despite recent challenges. Following severe flooding at the State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago, INEC has repaired the damage, serviced and refurbished facilities, and delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for training and contingency support.
Additionally, INEC has published the final list of candidates, which includes an amendment following a court order to replace the Labour Party candidate's running mate. The Commission is also finalizing the voter register for Edo and Ondo States, with plans to publish new voter figures and their distribution by gender, age, occupation, and disability by the end of this week.
Campaign activities in both Edo and Ondo States are in full swing, and INEC has reminded political parties of their obligation to comply with the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, particularly regarding rallies, processions, and campaigns. Hard copies of these guidelines were provided to party leaders at the meeting.
Prof. Yakubu addressed concerns about campaign-related violence, referencing a recent incident in Edo State that resulted in the death of a security personnel. He assured attendees that INEC is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of all participants in the electoral process.
The meeting also covered updates on bye-elections, with INEC announcing the existence of vacancies in four states and two additional vacancies following the deaths of members representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. Dates for these bye-elections will be announced soon.
Prof. Yakubu concluded the meeting by thanking the attendees and reiterating the importance of adhering to the submission deadline to facilitate a smooth and transparent election process.
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