The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, shared his disbelief at witnessing a masquerade voting in the previous general election in the state.
He revealed this during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on a violence-free Governorship election in Kogi State in November 2023.
Longpet said he was shocked after seeing a video clip of the incident.
He expressed shock at the fact that the masquerade’s confidence stemmed from politicians rather than INEC officials or security operatives.
The REC urged politicians to adhere to the rules of the game, emphasizing that the commission’s role is to conduct the election in accordance with the law.
He also assured that the organization is taking measures to ensure a credible, free, and fair election in the upcoming governorship election on November 11 in the state.
The REC further highlighted that the last election experienced instances of instability and the destruction of lives and property at some polling units.
“Final list of candidates contesting 11th November governorship election in the state has been published. Campaign in public is expected to commence on 14th June 2023. Let us all engage in the campaign of issues and caution supporters to operate with the rules as amended in Electoral act 2022,” he said.
While he advised the political actors to shun thuggery and other vices for peaceful election, he said the commission arrested 215 electoral offenders in the last election in the country who will soon be prosecuted.
While urging the political actors in the election to shun any form of vices in order to achieve peaceful polls, AIG Zone 8, Babatunde Ishola, Kogi state commissioner of police, and representatives of various security agencies in the state, along with traditional rulers and other interest groups, advised against thuggery and other illicit activities.