The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured
critical stakeholders in Plateau State that it would conduct a free,
fair and credible supplementary election in the affected areas in the
state.
Mallam Halilu Pai, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the
state, gave the assurance at a meeting with leaders of various political
parties and other stakeholders on Saturday in Jos.
The March 9 governorship election in the state was declared
inconclusive because the margin in the votes polled by the two leading
candidates was less than the votes cancelled in some polling units.
A total of 48,828 votes were cancelled across 40 polling units in 19 wards of nine local government areas.
According to Pai, the commission had put all modalities on ground to
ensure that a successful and peaceful supplementary election is
conducted in the affected areas.
“As we all know, exactly one week from today, we shall be conducting a
supplementary poll for the governorship seat in 40 polling units in 19
Registration Areas spread across nine local governments.
“So, we have called for this meeting to enable us brief all critical
stakeholders of our level of preparedness for the forthcoming
supplementary elections
“As a commission, we want to assure you that we will conduct a free,
fair and credible election. We shall be neutral and ensure that the
process is transparent,” he said.
NAN reports that the supplementary elections will be conducted in Shendam, Kanam, Bokkos, Mangu and Bassa local governments.
Others include Langtang South, Pankshin, Barkin Ladi and Jos North local governments.