A viral WhatsApp broadcast message has claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to disrupt the elections in Kogi State by withholding election materials, particularly in Kogi East. To verify these claims, the Explainer fact checker examined statements made by an INEC official in Kogi State, Haliru Haruna.
Haruna refuted the rumours, stating that they were false and aimed at distorting the truth about INEC’s efforts to ensure a credible electoral process. He explained the logistics plan for deploying sensitive election materials, stating that ballot papers and result sheets would be taken to the Central Bank of Nigeria upon arrival in the state.
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Throughout the process, security personnel and party agents would accompany the materials to ensure transparency and security. Haruna emphasized that political party agents must be present during the movement and opening of the materials. The sensitive materials were expected to arrive in Lokoja, the state capital, by Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
Haruna further clarified that INEC personnel would set up the polling units by 7:30 am, and voting would begin at 8:30 am and conclude at 2:30 pm. These measures are in place to guarantee a smooth and credible electoral process.
Based on the information provided by the INEC official, the claim of plans to disrupt the elections in Kogi State by withholding election materials is false. INEC has established transparent procedures involving security personnel and party agents to ensure the proper deployment of sensitive materials. Citizens can have confidence in the credibility of the electoral process in Kogi State.
