Osun 2018 Governorship election is just five days away, as electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a few hours ago, announced the banning of the use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras or any recording devices at the polling booths by voters.
This announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, a few hours ago in a stakeholders meeting in Osogbo, the state capital ahead of the election scheduled to hold on Saturday 22nd September 2018.
The INEC chairman who was also with the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris said the ban is being placed to help curtail the risk of vote buying and selling which he described as something that is fast becoming a norm amongst politicians.
In giving his reasons as to why they have come to this conclusion which has not gone down well with Nigerians, he explained that they are not asking voters not to use their phones at the polling units, but will be prevented from using their devices at the polling units, once the ballot papers are issued and until they cast their votes in the ballot boxes.
Stating further the INEC chairman said:
“INEC ultimate objective is to ensure that the Choice of who becomes the next Governor Of Osun State is entirely in the hands of the voters. Votes will count and only the choice made by the people of Osun and nothing else will determine the outcome of the election.” He said.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, said his men and all other security agencies are ready for the Osun 2018 Governorship elections, as security agencies will do its best to avoid vote buying and other related security challenges that usually arise during an election period.
The INEC chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu also hinted that those who are yet to collect their voter’s card, that the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) is still ongoing in the state and will end by 5:00 pm on Monday 17th September 2018.
INEC REC in Osun state Mr. Olusegun Olagoke Agabaje while speaking at the stakeholders meeting, said the Commission has put adequate preparations in place ahead of the election. Let me avail you with the Electoral Statistics for Osun State Number of PUs: 3010 RAs:332 No of LGAs:30 No of VPs:755 No of Registered voters: 1,682,495