Kogi Guber: INEC conducts mock election to test run arrangement.
IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said it will conduct a mock election in October, 2023, in its bid to ensure efficiency of both the human and materials resources for the conduct of Kogi state governorship election slated for November 11 this year.
Speaking at a one day engagement with Media executives towards the forthcoming Governorship election, held at the Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi state, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, said the Commission has almost concluded arrangement for the conduct of the election..
He disclosed that the preparation for the November Governorship election, which began since November last year, has reached its peak, as voters registration, parties primary elections, public enlightenment and series of consultations with relevant Stakeholders have been successfully conducted across the state.
The REC also said all necessary materials except some sensitive materials are ready and available for the smooth and successful conduct of the exercise, adding that copies of the official register of voters will be given to political parties by 14th October.
Dr Longpet assured that necessary arrangement have been made for the relocation of election exercise and materials in case of the annual floodings that may disrupt the process.
He therefore commended the media for their continues support and partnership in ensuring peaceful, credible and successful conduct of elections in the state, urging them to do more for the success of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi state.
A National Commissioner from the INEC headquarters, Abuja, Professor Kunle Ajayi, has hailed the media for being the most critical Stakeholders of the Commission.
He urged the media to give adequate publicly to the general public on the need for the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming November Governorship election in Kogi state.
The National Commissioner, who emphasized on need to mobilize the prospective voters that have not collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to go to designated collection centres in their local government areas.
He appealed to Journalists not to interfere with the election processes or announce election results so as to avoid spreading fake news.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi state Council, Adeiza Momohjimoh commended INEC for finding it desirable to engage the media in its preparation for the November Governorship election.
While promising to cooperate with the electoral body for smooth conduct of the election, Momohjimoh advised that proper identification kits, transportation and security be provided for accredited Journalists covering the election.
