Key Takeaways
- INEC remains resolute in delivering a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State, undeterred by recent attacks.
- Police have launched an investigation into the assault on a PVC collection centre in Okuku, where electoral materials were stolen.
- The commission expresses full confidence in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to prevent electoral fraud, rendering stolen PVCs useless.
- Extensive operational preparations are underway, including the deployment of 4,427 BVAS devices with 664 backups and the establishment of 105 Registration Area Centres.
- INEC assures all registered voters that administrative measures will be taken to prevent disenfranchisement due to the incident.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly asserted its unwavering commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State, despite a recent security breach. This assurance comes in the wake of a reported attack on one of its Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection centres, an incident that has drawn widespread concern.
Mr. Dayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, conveyed this steadfast resolve during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. His statements aim to calm fears and reinforce public trust in the electoral body's capacity to manage the upcoming polls effectively.
Details of the Attack
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved suspected hoodlums storming an INEC PVC collection centre located at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku. During the assault, staff members on duty were attacked, and several electoral materials, including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and PVCs, were reportedly carted away. This brazen act immediately raised questions about the security of electoral processes.
INEC's Unwavering Resolve
Despite the setback, Oketola emphasized that the attack would not deter INEC from its primary objective. “INEC cannot be distracted. We will conduct a free and fair election in Osun. That incident cannot distract us,” he declared, underscoring the commission's determination. He reiterated that the election would proceed as planned, with expectations for a transparent and credible outcome.
Police Investigation and Trust
The incident has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force, which has already commenced investigations. Oketola expressed profound confidence in the police's ability to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen commission assets. “As a commission, we trust that the police will be diligent in their investigation, track those suspects, get them arrested and ensure they face the wrath of the law,” he stated, also hoping for the recovery of the vital BVAS devices.
Robust Electoral Preparations
INEC's operational preparations for the Osun election remain firmly on track. Oketola revealed that a pre-assessment tour of the state is underway to evaluate operational readiness and engage with key local stakeholders. A total of 4,427 BVAS devices have been configured for the election, including 664 backup units, ensuring ample provision for any unforeseen incidents. Furthermore, 97 Super Registration Area Centres (Super RACs) and 105 Registration Area Centres have been established across all local government areas, set to be fully activated the night before election day. “Whatever was carted away will be replaced,” he assured, highlighting the contingency plans in place.
Safeguarding the Vote: The Power of BVAS
Oketola dismissed the notion that stealing PVCs could compromise the election, describing it as an exercise in futility. He stressed the stringent biometric verification required by the BVAS technology. “Nobody can use another person’s PVC to vote in an election in Nigeria again. The era of ghost voters is gone,” he affirmed. The advanced technology ensures that voters must tender their PVCs and undergo biometric authentication, a system proven effective in previous elections.
Ensuring Every Vote Counts
The commission also pledged to implement necessary administrative measures to ensure that no registered voter is disenfranchised as a result of the attack. Oketola assured that if a voter's name is on the register and their PVC was among those stolen, INEC would take all possible steps to enable them to exercise their franchise. “I know the commission will leave no stone unturned to ensure that no registered voter in Osun is disenfranchised on the election day,” he promised.
Call for Collective Vigilance
While assuring voters of their safety, Oketola called upon all stakeholders to collaborate with the commission in protecting the nation’s electoral assets and fostering a peaceful voting environment. He urged community leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, and political actors to work together to ensure the Osun election is not only successful but also conducted in an atmosphere that instills confidence in citizens to participate freely.
Why This Matters
This incident and INEC's response are crucial as they test the resilience of Nigeria's electoral system against attempts to undermine democratic processes. The commission's commitment to transparency and the effectiveness of its technological safeguards are vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of future elections.