Lagos by-election: INEC takes delivery of sensitive materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos on Thursday took delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s by-election in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

A correspondent, who was at INEC Office in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government, observed that the materials got to the commission office a few minutes after 5 p.m. on Thursday

The materials, brought from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), were offloaded in the presence of the representatives of participating political parties.

Speaking on the by-election, Mr Clement Oha, the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state said that all the sensitive materials had been received.

“I can confirm to you that we have got all the sensitive materials needed for this election from the CBN, escorted by security men.

“These materials are already customised along different Registration Areas. They are being separated by INEC officers in the presence of party agents,’’ he said.

Some party agents who spoke described the process as being transparent.

Mr Shakiru Bababunmi, Party Agent for the Action Alliance (AA) said, “We have witnessed a very transparent delivery of sensitive materials, all party agents are on ground to attest to this.”

Bababunmi urged INEC to give a level playing ground to all parties.

Also speaking, Mrs Bola Obiesan, Party Agent for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the cartons that contained the sensitive materials were in order and sealed, saying “No one has tampered with it.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Agent, Mr Kayode Oseni said that the materials were delivered intact.

Oseni said, “We witnessed the movement of the sensitive materials for the election. The materials are intact. As a representative of my party, I am satisfied. We are only looking for a fair and transparent election.”

The six political parties to contest in the poll are: Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Party (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Mr Elijah Adewale, who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, died in Abuja on July 20, and INEC fixed Dec. 3 for the by-election to fill the vacant seat.