The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday said it had put in place mechanisms to ensure the security of election materials for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Mr Oluwasegun Agbaje, gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo.
Agbaje, who noted that some parties had expressed fears over the security of the materials, said they could not be intercepted by unauthorised individuals.
“The system is strict and it has been conditioned in a way that it is almost impossible for the distribution of ballot papers to be tampered with,’’ Agbaje said.
Agbaje also said the commission had received an assurance from the police to protect the materials and personnel involved in the electoral process.
He further said that NYSC members recruited as ad-hoc staff had been properly trained, adding that any erring official would be prosecuted.
“ Anybody that has no business at the polling units should steer clear of the voting centers.
“It has to be clear that political big wigs are not allowed to be moving about; they are to stay at their units and should not attempt to cause any problem.
“ INEC has also made it clear that ballot papers are not to be snapped. Anybody who tampers with the electoral process should be ready to face the music,’’ Agbaje said.
He also said newsmen, observers and other stakeholders could reach the commission on GSM numbers 09092125484 and 07010212146. (NAN)