The distribution of electoral materials and deployment of ad hoc staff to their respective polling wards has begun at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s office in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State, ahead of the governorship election on Saturday.
Our correspondent, who visited the INEC office on Friday, reported that the exercise went smoothly despite the Commission’s significant security presence at its headquarters in Irrua.
INEC staff were observed sorting and packaging materials such as polling booths, ballot boxes, electoral forms, markers, pencils, and other related items onto vehicles earmarked for various centres.
Hundreds of ad hoc employees also obtained accreditation tags and other necessary materials as they boarded the trucks for their duty station.
One of the INEC officials, simply identified as Vera Ibitemi, said, “All the materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, have been sorted and packaged, and they are ready to be distributed to their various wards tonight for voting tomorrow.
“The ad hoc staff have been sorted and mobilised. The vehicles carrying the materials and the personnel are already on the ground. The exercise is in top gear.”
The governorship election in Edo State is set for Saturday, September 21, throughout 18 local government areas.
Our correspondent learnt that the materials are for voting in Edo Central Senatorial District, which includes five LGAs: Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan Central LGAs.
The district is home to Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
