The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said that it will not warehouse sensitive election materials with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), especially in the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship election.
The INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who made this known on Saturday while fielding questions at a Forum themed “The Electorate” in Abuja, said the decision, is in view of the issues surrounding the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele’s declared political interest.
The Chairman acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens relating to the issue, considering the sensitive nature of election materials and the need for trust and confidence in the electoral process, a statement by the INEC National Electoral Commissioner for information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye disclosed.
The statement further noted that the Chairman, “stated that in respect of the Ekiti Governorship election holding on the 18th day of June, 2022, the Commission will deliver all the sensitive materials meant for the election directly to our office in Ado-Ekiti and distributed to the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.
“He stated further that the Commission is looking at the same situation with regard to the Osun Governorship election holding on the 16th day of July 2022.
“However, the direct delivery of the sensitive materials to Ekiti and Osun are interim measure pending further discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ahead of the 2023 General Election.
“The Hon. Chairman commended the handling of materials by CBN since the collaboration started as there has not been a single incident of failure in that regard”, he concluded.
