Feb. 1, 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State on Thursday took delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s Surulere Federal Constituency I by-election from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, told newsmen that the commission was fully prepared for the election.

Salami said: “We have taken delivery of the sensitive materials today. We are in the last phase of the process of the by-election.

“We have taken the ballot papers and the results sheet for Saturday by-election. It is clear to everyone that we are ready for the election.”

He said that the commission had invited representatives of political parties and security agencies to witness the exercise for openness.

According to him, the sensitive materials are secure and intact for every stakeholder to see the transparency of the commission.

Salami, who noted that INEC was ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections on Saturday, called for the cooperation and support of stakeholders.

He noted that the onward distribution of the materials from the state headquarters to the six wards and 258 polling units that made up the Surulere Federal Constituency I would begin on Friday.

Twelve candidates of different political parties would be contesting in the Feb. 3 election.

The seat became vacant due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff. (NAN)