The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the security situation in Osun, ahead of the July 16 governorship election.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in Abuja at a meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

The meeting was convened to review security arrangements and plans to ensure a successful and hitch-free governorship poll in the state.

Mr Yakubu said that although the situation in Osun was generally calm at the moment, INEC was concerned about some reported clashes in parts of the state.

“In one recent example, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was disrupted in Erin Oke and Erin Ijesha Wards of Oriade Local Government Area resulting in the loss of 46 PVCs.

“While the matter is being investigated by the police, the collection of PVCs for the affected wards is now taking place in the INEC office in Ijebu-Jesha,” the chairman said.

Mr Yakubu said that on the part of INEC, all necessary arrangements had been completed for a hitch-free poll, vowing to soon deploy a readiness-assessment team to Osun.

“It will also meet its staff, security agencies, transporters and traditional rulers to solicit their support for peaceful elections.

“A few days to the election, we will return to Osun  to meet with the stakeholders and for the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties and candidates under the auspices of the National Peace Committee,” he said.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, who is also Co-Chair of ICCES, urged INEC and ICCES members to build on the successes recorded from the Ekiti election.

Mr Mongunu, represented by Sanusi Galadima, said that it was important as some disgruntled politicians might attempt to sabotage the process for their selfish gains.

Heads and representatives of various security agencies, INEC National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun, Commissioner of Police and Secretary to the Commission attended the meeting.

(NAN)