INEC starts distributing materials in Osun for the poll

Prior to Saturday’s elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State started distributing sensitive electoral documents to the state’s various local government areas on Wednesday.

Representatives from the parties, security personnel, journalists, and INEC officials were present as the distribution took place on the grounds of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Osogbo Branch.

Before the distribution begun, there was however a melodrama, as operatives of the Department of State Service, stationed at the entrance of the bank, barred journalists and other individuals that were to see the distribution from entering the premises.

The security guards asserted that they had received orders not to permit anyone in from the CBN Osogbo branch management.

But, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, asked that journalists and party representatives be permitted entry.

Agboke said the commission was prepared for the election after allowing journalists access to the location to see the distribution.

Our sensitive materials, in particular the ballots and result sheets, are often under the care of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he continued. For the election, we are prepared. We’re here to begin gathering our items into batches for later distribution to various local government districts.

“The ballots and result sheets for the presidential, senate, and house of representatives elections are what you have observed on the ground. We’ll group them together and distribute them to various local administrations.

The head of INEC commented on the offices’ and materials’ security, saying, “All these are signs that the Commission is prepared. The commission has spoken to our security personnel. There is synergy. Our entire local government is well-guarded.