The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked politicians, who have started erecting billboards and pasting posters across Ekiti State in preparation for the governorship poll, to stop forthwith and remove such items.
Speaking in a chat in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Hussaini Pai, said the display of such items now was illegal going by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, as well as the 1999 Constitution.
Among the politicians affected by the directive are incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Governor Ayo Fayose, former deputy governors Abiodun Aluko and Bisi Omoyeni, a chieftain of pan-Yoruba group, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, Ambassador Dare Bejide and Senator Gbenga Aluko, among others.
According to Pai, the provisions of the Electoral Act as Amended, did not provide for the display of items canvassing support when INEC was yet to come out with the timetable for political activities.
On the itching by people of the state for the announcement of the date for the election, Pai said it was the INEC headquarters that would fix the date and announce same.
On the preparations by the electoral body for the much-anticipated poll, the REC said his organisation was not folding its arms and was poised to conduct a credible poll.
He, however, appealed to all stakeholders to discharge their duties creditably well, as the onus of conducting acceptable elections did not lie with INEC alone.
“Making elections credible does not lie with INEC alone, all stakeholders must play their roles well and discharge their responsibilities appropriately,” he said.
On how INEC in Ekiti State is preparing for the poll, Pai said continuous voters’ registration to capture new voters would hold soon, just as permanent voter’s cards would be distributed when ready.
He added that the Direct Data Capture machines that would be used for the exercise were ready, adding nobody should think they could register more than once without being detected.
“We are making use of Automated Fingerprint Integrated System (AFIS) to detect multiple registrations. Though we will only leave culprits with one registration for them to be able to vote, they would still face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
On the transfer of one’s registration from one location to another, the REC explained that anybody who wishes to do that must apply in writing to INEC at least 30 days before the election, attaching his previous voter’s card, stating reasons for the proposed relocation and mentioning where he had registered before and the new polling unit he desires and the location.
He gave the assurance that INEC would conduct a free and fair poll in the state, but warned politicians against violating the rules and regulations guiding the exercise.
There has been great anticipation in the state over the governorship election, as politicians and parties are eagerly looking forward to it.
