Osun Senate by-election to hold as scheduled — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday debunked a rumour that the Osun West Senatorial by-election slated for Saturday, July 8, will be shifted.

Addressing stakeholders, including the representatives of political parties, security agencies and journalists, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Baritor Kpagih, confirmed that the election would take place and sought the cooperation of all.

He said the commission had been inundated with petitions containing various allegations, and promised that the electoral empire would follow due process in attending to the petitions.

Baritor, who is the Delta State REC, said since he was drafted to Osun for the purpose of the by-election, he observed that the people of the senatorial district were well enlightened and assured that the exercise would be free and fair.

The REC also cautioned politicians to desist from spreading unfounded rumour about the process and assured them that INEC and security agents would not be biased.

He disclosed that 11 political parties fielded candidates for the election and that the voting would hold on Saturday between 8am and 2pm.

He stated that only voters with the permanent voter cards would be allowed to vote while card readers would also be used to verify the PVC.

He added that the ballot papers and results sheets for the election had been customised according to each local government, and that sensitive materials would be distributed at the Osogbo branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday.