The Independent National Electoral Election says a total of 1.83 million persons who collected their permanent voters cards (PVCs) are expected to vote in Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election in Kogi state.

Resident Electoral Commission ( REC), Dr Gabriel Longpet, disclosed this in Lokoja, the state capital, while briefing newsmen on the level of preparation of the commission, on Friday.

He said the commission had observed the necessary formalities expected for a free, fair and credible election.

“We have delivered all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have been configured for deployment to Polling Units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters.”

“Polling Unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained.

“Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us commence voting on schedule.

“In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival,” he said.

However, the REC warned both staff and Ad-hoc staff working during this election to desist from the any act will tarnish the image of the commission, as perpetrators would be made to face wrath of law.

“For these off-cycle elections, the Commission is deploying two (2) National Commissioners, nine (9) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Administrative Secretaries (Ass) as well as additional staff from different States to each of the three States to support the process. They will be deployed across the senatorial zones in the States.” (Daily Trust)