The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties participating in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.
INEC’s information and voter education chairman Mr. Sam Olumekun, announced that there will be no extension to the October 10 deadline for political parties to upload their lists of agents for polling units and collation centers.
With less than 72 hours remaining until the deadline, only 55 percent of the expected agents for polling units and collation centers have been uploaded to INEC’s portal. Olumekun urged parties yet to comply to do so promptly.
INEC had previously informed all parties about the opening of its online portal for uploading agents lists, starting on August 24.
Despite reminders and engagement with party representatives, many have failed to meet the requirements.
Olumekun stated, “For Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, only 55 percent of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents have been uploaded to the designated INEC Portal.”
Olumekun specifically mentioned the figures for each state: 72.5 percent for Bayelsa, 60.3 percent for Imo, and 37.6 percent for Kogi.
In addition, Olumekun noted that only 25.1 percent of the expected 15,804 collation agents have been uploaded, with 26.0 percent for Bayelsa, 27.3 percent for Imo, and 21.9 percent for Kogi.
Olumekun emphasized that the portal would automatically close at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, October 10, with no possibility of an extension.
He urged all parties sponsoring candidates to upload their agent lists before the deadline.
Regarding the online accreditation of journalists for the elections, Olumekun stated that late applications would not be considered after the October 22 deadline, and there would be no manual accreditation. So far, 45 media organizations have applied for online accreditation.
Olumekun also expressed concern about the rising insecurity and violence, including clashes among political parties’ supporters and candidates. He appealed to all political parties and candidates to refrain from actions and statements that could disrupt the peace and integrity of the elections.
INEC promised to closely monitor the situation and maintain its engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peaceful election.
