The people of Edo State have called for the neutrality and professionalism of the electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
They urged the Commission to be neutral to ensure a free and fair election come September 21, 2024.
A concern group, the Edo Youth Collectives, warned that all eyes are on INEC to remain neutral and not to take side with any political parties.
Musa Iyoha, Secretary of the group, said the allegations that faulty BVAS machines were sent to strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should be addressed.
Iyoha also urged the Commission to address allegations that the state Resident Electoral Commissioner is taking sides with the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Iyoha said the electoral body “must not only act in a neutral way but must be seen to be neutral”.
“The stakes are high and everyone involved must be seen to act above board. The electorates are expecting a free and fair elections not having INEC as a partisan umpire,” he noted.
According to report the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Tuesday said it has received the funds for the conduct of the Edo State governorship election.
INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during an inspection of the Commission’s facilities in Benin City.
According to him, all the funds for the election were received and released to the state and the 18 local government offices before the recent increase of the fuel price.
