The Plateau INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Oliver Agundu, stated this during a one-day roundtable discussion on the prevention and mitigation of election violence in Nigeria’s 2023 General elections which held in Jos on Tuesday.
According to the commissioner, the electoral body has also cleaned its register to remove underage voters.
He noted that the commission has taken steps to ensure the use of BVAS during the polls, adding that other sensitive materials that will be deployed to the 17 LGAs had started arriving in the state since last Friday.
The official assured that the commission would ensure the timely deployment of INEC personnel and materials to ensure the early commencement of the exercise.
The commissioner said, “As an electoral body, I can tell you that we are ready for the 2023 poll as over 80 percent pressure has been taken away from the commission. Here in Plateau state, we have a total of 4989 polling units where elections will be conducted in the state.
“As a matter of fact, the sensitive materials have started arriving. All the trained personnel will be deployed before February 23. We have cleaned the underage registers and the commission is committed to fairness, transparency, and credibility in the conduct of elections in Plateau state.
“I have since assumption of duty toured the Seventeen (17) LGAs of Plateau State on a familiarisation visit to meet the staff of the Commission working at the Local Government Areas and have an on-the-spot assessment of our facilities in the light of our readiness towards the general elections.
“Let me state clearly that I am here to work with my team to deliver the most credible and transparent election in the history of Plateau state; anchored on accountability, level playing ground, and impartiality. So, what we need is cooperation from everyone.”
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, who spoke on the need for voter integrity said that Nigerian democracy must be based on the rule by the people in line with global practice.
According to him, allowing the people to freely chose their leaders remain a panacea for credible elections and sustainable peace in Nigeria.
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in plateau state, Dr Patrick Dakum, who spoke on behalf of other political party candidates described peace as fundamental to the Nigerian democratic process.
He expressed the commitment of his colleagues to abide by the guidelines and principles so as to ensure a peaceful poll.
