Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials dispatched to various polling units in Lokoja are presently stranded at the Ajayi Crowther Memorial School.
The officials were originally stationed there to collect the necessary electoral materials for the eagerly anticipated governorship elections in the state.
According to Punch, the stranded group includes a mix of dedicated corps members and ad hoc staff contracted by the commission specifically for the election.
While they’ve successfully taken possession of the crucial electoral materials, they are now facing a dire predicament as transportation to their designated polling units remains elusive.
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Reports from the scene indicate that an INEC official attempted to rally others by suggesting that their only hope of reaching their intended destinations would be if the local voters at the polling units could somehow organize transportation for them.
As of the time this report was filed, the situation had escalated with only three minibuses on the scene, attempting to transport a staggering 200 or more electoral officials to their respective polling stations. This logistical quagmire has raised concerns about the efficiency and preparedness of the electoral process.
It’s imperative to note that a staggering 1.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the upcoming off-cycle governorship election scheduled for Saturday in Kogi.
The election will span 3,508 polling units spread across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The LGAs included Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Kogi, Lokoja, Mopamuro, Ofu, Ogori-Magongo, Okene, Okehi, Olamaboro, Omala, Yagba-East, and Yagba-West.