We’ll Conduct The Best Election In Kogi – Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has expressed the determination of the organisation to conduct the best poll ever in Kogi State.

Speaking at an interactive session with newsmen in Lokoja, yesterday,? Jega said the commission was poised to improve on its outing in April.

He pointed out that they were determined to deliver the best election so far and added that all the necessary arrangement had been concluded to ensure a hitch-free governorship poll.

He further posited that the electoral umpire was closely working with the security agencies to provide the needed assistance towards a peaceful exercise.

According to the INEC chairman, all those living in the past, making underground moves to disrupt the process would be disappointed and urged those who have nothing to do with the election to steer clear.

He stressed that the electoral umpire was making efforts to build confidence in Nigerians even as he emphasised the need for both stakeholders and politicians to co-operate with the commission in delivering a credible, free and fair election.

Prof. Jega also commended the political parties and contestants for their exemplary conduct so far, holding peaceful campaigns and urged them not to relent especially during the Saturday election.

He gave the assurance that the commission would continue to maintain neutrality by providing a level playing ground for all parties, even as he promised that opportunity would be given to all voters to exercise their franchise.

He disclosed that about 200 electoral offenders have been prosecuted by INEC and said that even though the figure was far less, compared to the 870,000 offenders, it was a great leap compared with the past.

On the location of collation centres in local government headquarters, Prof. Jega said concerted efforts by the commission to build its own offices across the country to ensure that they were autonomous and truly independent.

He assured that areas where there were disagreement on location of collation centres, a neutral ground would be provided with the advice of the security agents to build confidence in the electoral process.