OSOGBO, Osun State — Security agencies have stepped up their presence across Osun State as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intensifies preparations for Saturday’s governorship election.
The INEC office along the Gbongan-Ibadan Road in Osogbo witnessed increased activity on Friday, with security personnel, journalists, election observers and other stakeholders present as arrangements for the poll entered their final phase.
Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were reportedly deployed to the commission’s premises ahead of their movement to various parts of the state.
The security operatives are expected to provide protection before, during and after the election, while helping to maintain law and order across the 30 local government areas.
Civil society organisations, journalists and election observers were also at the INEC office to monitor the final stages of preparations.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Oluwatoyin Babalola, was also reported to have held meetings with National Commissioners and supporting Resident Electoral Commissioners from other states as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
The election will be conducted across 3,763 polling units in 332 wards and the 30 local government areas of the state.
With major political parties stepping up their mobilisation, INEC has continued to appeal to voters and other stakeholders to maintain peace and allow the electoral process to proceed without disruption.
1.9 Million PVCs Collected
Ahead of the election, INEC disclosed that 1,906,390 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had been collected by registered voters in Osun State.
The figure represents 81.50 per cent of the state’s 2,339,233 registered voters.
According to the commission, the remaining 426,842 PVCs, representing 18.50 per cent of registered voters, have been kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in line with established procedures.
INEC also disclosed that some voters whose PVCs were lost, damaged or defaced had applied for replacement.
A total of 6,101 applicants reportedly printed downloadable copies of their PVCs following their replacement applications.
As the state prepares for the governorship election, the combination of increased security deployment and final electoral preparations is expected to support the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Thenewsbearer/Moy/Cyn
