The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed the configuration of the Bimodal Voter Registration Systems (BVAS) for the House of Assembly elections in Kogi on Saturday.

Hale Longpet, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.

Only the house of assembly election would be held on Saturday in Kogi.

The governorship election is to hold in November as Governor Yahaya Bello’s tenure ends on January 27, 2024.

The commissioner said the commission had got all materials needed, aside from ballot papers and result sheets, which are being expected through the Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday.

“Just this Monday, we assessed all the materials to see their levels of functionality and some of the BVAS that were either stolen or damaged were replaced.

“Although we have not retrieved any (BVAS) that were stolen, we have successfully replaced them for the purpose and successful conduct of the election.

“By Thursday, we shall go for the distribution of the materials, such as the ballot papers and result sheets, at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Zonal Headquarters here in Lokoja, ” he said

Mr Longpet urged the people of Kogi to come out en-masse to cast their votes without fear as the security operatives have assured the commission of their readiness to protect lives and property better than last time.

“They (security agents) have assured us that they have stepped up their security apparatus and strategies to ensure the peaceful conduct of House of Assembly elections in Kogi.”

The REC said that security agencies have promised to redouble their surveillance at the flash points or black spots to checkmate activities of political thugs and troubleshooters.

“What we are expecting from the people is for them just to get ready with their PVCs to vote for candidates of their choice and make sure that their votes count, ” Mr Longpet said. 

(NAN)