Sat Sep 14 18:55:59 UTC 2024: ## INEC Assures Smooth Edo Gubernatorial Election, Civil Society Groups Raise Concerns

**Benin City, Nigeria** – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured civil society groups of a smooth and transparent Edo gubernatorial election on September 21st. INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, speaking at an interactive session with election observers, stated that the commission has deployed over 19,000 vehicles and river crafts to transport election materials and mobilized over 20,000 adhoc staff to conduct the election.

Yakubu highlighted the accreditation of 134 observer groups, including 124 domestic and 10 international organizations, as well as the deployment of 1,836 observers and 721 journalists from 114 accredited media organizations. He further assured that the electoral materials are protected from damage and will be distributed from Benin City to the various Local Government Areas.

However, civil society groups expressed concerns regarding the timely delivery of election materials to polling units, potentially leading to delays in the commencement of voting. Mr. Paul James, Programme Manager, Elections, YIAGA Africa, urged INEC to review its internal processes to ensure timely delivery. The CSOs also suggested repeating elections in any polling units where violence results in cancelled votes, aiming to discourage future instances of violence during elections.

INEC Chairman Yakubu acknowledged the ongoing engagement with civil society groups and commended their role in improving the electoral process. The commission remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Edo State.

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