The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has assured that the result that will be announced for the Kogi State Governorship election will be a reflection of the wishes of the people of Kogi State.
The Kogi State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet gave the assurances at a one day engagement with all Media Executives in the State towards the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election, organized by the Voter Education and Publicity Department.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner assured of a free fair and transparent 2023 election, insisting that the Commission is striving hard to change the negative narratives associated with Elections in Kogi State.
While urging political parties to campaign and debate on issues rather than making unfounded statements, urged the media to educate and sensitize people on the need to collect their PVCs.
The REC explained that the Media has a greatly role to play in ensuring a free, fair, credible and transparent election, urged the media not to do anything that would mar the process, solicited the support of the media.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner said the Commission has followed all the processes leading to a successful conduct of the Kogi State election, said on October 12, 16, the commission would carry out the presentation of the official voter and announce date of the election respectively.
Similarly, the Commission he pointed out will on October 14 conduct a mock election to test the processes for the Kogi State Governorship election.
In his remarks, Adeiza Momohjimoh, Kogi State NUJ Chairman, assured of professionalism of working Journalists in the State before, during and after the Governorship election.
The engagement was attended by the National Commissioner of INEC, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, urged the media to be professional in the discharge of their duties during the election.
He urged the media to be mindful of the secrecy of the ballot, added that announcement of result is the exclusive preserve of the Commission.
He added too that priority attention has been made for PWDs, the elderly, nursing mothers. The National Commissioner urged the media not to interfere with the election process and any untoward conduct that would affect the smooth conduct of the election.
Highlights of the engagement is presentation on technological innovations by INEC with emphasis on BVAS and its usage, Election day activities, and the Electoral Act 2022 and the Elections.