The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that the recent hike in petrol prices will not impact the conduct of the upcoming Edo governorship election.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during a pre-election news conference in Abuja on Saturday.
He stated that the commission had already begun discussions with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to address the issue.
“We’ve had meetings with officials of the NURTW regarding the situation, and I believe a resolution has been reached,” Oyekanmi explained. “When planning an election, we prepare for contingencies as unexpected changes can occur.
If transporters need an increment due to fuel prices, this can be discussed. However, the election will proceed as scheduled.”
In response to concerns over the possibility of pre-filled result sheets, a problem seen during the Kogi elections, Oyekanmi emphasized that INEC had taken measures to ensure this would not happen in Edo or any future elections.
“Our result sheets are secure and cannot be forged, as they are custom-made with specific security features known only to us. Any attempt to print false sheets would be futile,” he assured.
He also stressed that results would not be collated from polling units where no election took place. “All polling units, over 4,500 in Edo, will have voters. If for any reason an election does not hold in a particular unit, the presiding officer is obligated to report it.”
INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and credible election process in Edo despite the challenges posed by fuel price increases.
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