Why governorship election may not hold in some part of Kogi – REC

• The REC identified Ibaji and part of Bassa as the areas of concerns
• He stated that flooding and communal crisis in these two local government areas could prevent residents from exercising their franchise

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, says he is pessimistic about the possibility of conducting the forthcoming governorship election in some parts of the state.

Longpet spoke at a stakeholders meeting organised ahead of the election.

He identified Ibaji and part of Bassa as the areas of concerns for conduction of the poll.

He disclosed that severe flooding and perennial communal crisis in these two local government areas could hamper holding of election there and prevent residents from exercising their franchise.

He, however, assured that all the eligible voters will be allowed to vote during the poll.

Prof. Longpet advised politicians to play the game by the rule, stressing that the role of the commission is to conduct the election within the ambit of the law.

According to him the commission is perfecting its activities to ensure a credible, free and fair election in the November 11 governorship election in the state.

The state REC stressed further that the last election witnessed instances of instability, destruction of lives and property at some voting points.

“Final list of candidates contesting the November 11th governorship election in the state has been published. Campaign in public is expected to commence on June 14th. Let us all engage in the campaign of issues and caution supporters to operate with the rules as amended in Electoral Act 2022,” he said.

While advising the political actors to shun thuggery and other vices for a peaceful election, he said the commission arrested 215 electoral offenders in the last election in the country who will soon be prosecuted.

The AIG zone 8, Babatunde Ishola, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and all other representatives of various security agencies in the state, including traditional rulers and other interest groups urged the political actors in the election to shun all forms of vices in order to achieve peaceful polls.