The Independent National Electoral Commission says 145,755 registered voters will participate in the Akoko North East and Akoko North-West federal constituency by-election slated for February 3.

Shefiudeen Oyeyemi, head of the department (Voters Education and Publicity) for INEC in Ondo, disclosed this on Thursday in Akure.

The Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West federal constituencies became vacant after Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who occupied the position, was appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Oyeyemi said the by-election would be conducted in 23 wards and 329 polling units of the two local government areas.

According to him, 74,564 voters collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Akoko North East, while 71,191 have their PVCs in Akoko North-West.

Mr Oyeyemi, who said INEC was ready for the election, stated that it had trained supervisors and presiding officers on effectively using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

“The commission is committed to a transparent, free and fair election, but the politicians must tell their people to shun violence. Ours is just officiating because a referee cannot start a fight on a football pitch while officiating.

“So, INEC is ready and has all the required number of the materials needed for the by-election. No shortage of BVAS. Police, Army, NSCDC and other security agencies are collaborating with the commission for a smooth conduct of the election,” he said.

Mr Oyeyemi appealed to the electorate to adhere to the election’s rules and shun violence during and after the election.

(NAN)