The Peoples Democratic Party’s collation agent in Kaduna, Danjuma Sarki, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives to ensure neutrality and avoid acts of bias.

Mr Sarki said this while addressing journalists during the distribution of election materials to the 23 local government areas on Wednesday in Kaduna.

He noted that the electoral umpire had heeded various complaints from the February 25 presidential and federal parliamentary elections, urging them to correct the lapses identified before the March 18 gubernatorial elections.

“There were issues of non-functionality of the BVAS machines. INEC should address the issue before the coming elections. For the late arrival of materials, I think they have heeded our advice. Being the reason why they commenced distribution today with the hope that by tomorrow, all the LGAs should get their materials,” said the PDP agent. 

The party official stated that by Friday, PDP “expect that the materials will get to the wards for onward distribution to polling units” on Saturday and called on INEC “to ensure neutrality and remain unbiased, and not to allow themselves to be used.”

“The neutrality displayed at the last election by INEC and security was commendable, and we expect to see more neutrality in the coming elections. All the gray areas identified should be addressed before the elections to enable the electorate to exercise their franchise and elect leaders of their choice,” added Mr Sarki.

He also urged security agencies to maintain global standards in discharging their constitutional responsibilities, that they should not allow themselves to be used by politicians or political parties to the detriment of the people’s will.

The head of INEC electoral operations in Kaduna, Hussaini Muhammad, assured the people of the commission’s readiness to ensure people’s votes count.

“We do all our work with all the stakeholders, and this is to ensure transparency,” Mr Muhammad said. 

(NAN)