The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has blamed some unseen forces for the late arrival of officials and election materials in some polling units for Saturday’s Kogi governorship election.

In an interview on Saturday, the state INEC voter education and publicity officer, Haliru Sule, said the commission experienced hitches despite adequate preparations.

“To us, these hitches are deliberate sabotage by some unseen forces,” he said. “We didn’t expect the sudden dearth of vehicles that could transport our ad hoc staff and materials to their respective polling units.”

Nonetheless, Mr Sule said INEC was able to address the challenges. He expressed optimism that the poll would be adjudged credible and fair.

“But all the same, we tried our best and overcame the challenges, which gave room for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election,” he said.

He added, “We are confident that at the end of the exercise, it would be said that it was free, fair, credible and successful.”

Mr Sule lauded the security operatives for ensuring a peaceful election.

(NAN)