The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has voiced its concerns regarding the upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted these issues on Thursday during an appearance before the Senate Committee on INEC, accompanied by other commissioners.
He emphasized that apart from the strain on state facilities, there is a major concern regarding governors leveraging their incumbency power to the detriment of opposition parties and their candidates.
Addressing the situation in Edo, Professor Yakubu pointed out that, alongside the challenge posed by flooding, security issues were also a significant concern.
The INEC chairman further expressed apprehension over allegations of the deployment of operatives from the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) to create chaos during the September 21 polls.
While outlining the activities for the Edo and Ondo elections, Yakubu stated that the submission of all polling agents’ names will be required 30 days before the respective elections.
He also said that 17 candidates will be contesting the governorship positions in both states, with Edo presenting the only female candidate in the entire polls.
