The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has no candidate in Saturday’s Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo governorship election because it is not a political party.

Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, said this at a news conference on Friday at the Kogi Headquarters of the commission in Lokoja.

Mr Yakubu, represented by Gabriel Longpet, the INEC Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), said that as an umpire, the commission would ensure the election was free, fair and credible.

He said that to demonstrate the seriousness attached to the election, INEC had deployed two national commissioners, nine Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) for effective monitoring.

Mr Yakubu said the commission had delivered all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections. Also, he said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for deployment.

“Polling unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained. Arrangements for land and maritime transportation have been made to enable us to commence voting on schedule.

“In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival,” he said.

He called on INEC officials, both regular and ad hoc, to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism during the election.

He said the commission would continue to ensure free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.

The chairman said INEC had received assurances from the security agencies that the environment would be secured for the election.

“Already, political parties and candidates have signed the peace accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC); therefore, let us maintain the peace and play our roles consciously,” he added.

(NAN)