KWASIEC Chairman promises smooth conduct of Kwara LG Elections

The preparations for the local government elections in Kwara State, scheduled for Saturday, have been completed, according to Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC).

Speaking at a Media Parliament organized by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, Baba-Okanla assured a hitch-free electoral process.

He announced that only five political parties—APC, PDP, APM, SDP, and Accord Party—would participate in the elections.

“I am pleased to announce that the commission has carefully crafted a comprehensive timetable for the forthcoming local government elections,” he stated.

The elections are set for September 21, 2024, with polling units opening at 8:00 am and voting concluding by 3:00 pm. Sorting, counting, and result collation will follow immediately after.

Alhaji Baba-Okanla emphasized KWASIEC’s readiness, highlighting the extensive planning and organization involved.

“From the training of electoral staff to the distribution of election materials, every measure is being put in place to ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly, transparently, and in accordance with the law,” he explained.

He also mentioned KWASIEC’s collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the polls, particularly regarding the credibility of the voter register.

KWASIEC has conducted training programs for its staff and ad-hoc staff who will supervise the elections across the state’s 193 wards. Consultations with security agencies have also been held to guarantee maximum security during the polls.

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Council of the NUJ, Abdul-lateef Ahmed, represented by Vice Chairman Hajia Binta Mora, expressed support for establishing democratically elected governments at the local level and urged KWASIEC to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.