The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued to aggressively kick against vote buying and inducement of voters in the country. The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu disclosed this at an event organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday in Abuja.
The FRSC in collaboration with INEC organised lectures for commanding officers on strategic goals and issues of General election held today.
The INEC boss revealed, vote buying and inducement has continued to be a menace that threatens our democratic principle.
In his statement, “We have heard about vote buying; the response is greater sensitisation so that people will not surrender their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to vote buyers.
“I appeal to media organisations to help us sensitise the public in that respect and the security agents should help in making arrests.”
Prof. Yakubu revealed the election will be conducted in 1,558 constituencies with 73 candidates vying for presidential seat billed to hold February 16th.
Meanwhile, about 1,066 candidates are slated for gubernatorial seats across the country and 1,904 are competing for the senatorial seat in 109 districts.
The INEC boss added that from the primaries and congresses held between August 2018 and January, the commission has so far been joined in 639 litigations in court seeking redress.
The chairman further stated that provisions had been perfected for persons with albinos and Persons With Disabilities to cast their votes with ease during the elections.
