The exercise began at about on Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Ado Ekiti and was conducted under the supervision of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
INEC officials, election observers, political party representatives, and members of the media monitored the process as the materials were sorted and dispatched to the state’s 16 local government areas.
The commission began distribution to local government areas located farthest from the state capital, including Ilejemeje, Ayekire, Ido-Osi, Ijero, Ikole, Ekiti East, and Emure, to ensure timely delivery.
Security personnel accompanied the vehicles conveying the materials to their destinations to guarantee their safety and prevent any interference during transit.
Speaking with journalists after the commencement of the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the distribution of sensitive materials marked a significant stage in the commission’s preparations for the election.
“As you can see, we have commenced the distribution of sensitive materials for Saturday’s governorship election. The process is being carried out transparently in the presence of security agencies, political parties, election observers, the media, and other stakeholders,” he said.
“We started with local government areas that are farthest from Ado Ekiti to ensure that the materials reach their destinations on time and without any hitch.”
Omoseyindemi expressed confidence in the commission’s preparedness for the poll, stating that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure a successful election across the state.
He assured voters that INEC remained committed to conducting a credible, free, and fair election that would reflect the wishes of the electorate. He also urged residents to come out peacefully and perform their civic responsibility on election day.
The REC commended the security agencies for their collaboration and support, noting that their presence would help ensure the safe movement of election materials and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
