The next governor of the Confluence state will be chosen by 1.833 million voters tomorrow, November 11, 2023, according to Hale Gabriel Longpet, the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State.
Longpet gave a press briefing at the Kogi State INEC office, where he gave an overview of the scope of the election process. He disclosed that 18 political parties are running, and that there are 18 candidates for governor, 17 of whom are men and 1 woman.
1.83 million Nigerians who obtained their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are anticipated to cast ballots in off-cycle governorship elections in less than a day, according to Longpet. “These elections are being held on the same day and in three different geopolitical zones in the country—North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo), and South South (Bayelsa)—for the first time in our history.”
In addition, Longpet emphasized the significance of objectivity and urged all election officials to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism. With the statement, “INEC is not a political party, and we have no candidate in the election,” he emphasized INEC’s impartial position. It is our duty to protect the procedure and guarantee that all political parties and candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. Voters have the sole authority to select the next governor of the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.”
Longpet revealed in the run-up to the election that while 1.93 million voters were initially registered, 1.83 million—a 5.13 percent difference—had obtained their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), which are essential to voting.
Shehu Abdul Baba, Kogi State’s Administrative Secretary for INEC, gave a speech during the event and shared insights about the administration and real-time results reporting. Baba promised results would be sent quickly to the IREV (INEC Results Viewing) platform. Concerning possible network difficulties in regions such as Ajaokuta, he emphasized backup plans and providing sufficient resources to rectify any malfunctions.
Baba emphasized the importance of security measures and pledged to protect collation centers and keep residents safe during the voting process. This dedication is a result of a desire to avoid repeating the mistakes made during previous elections, when employees encountered disruptions.
As the briefing proceeded, Longpet went over the plans put in place for both land and sea transportation to guarantee that the voting would start on time. “Despite the very challenging topography and physical infrastructure in some areas, we are determined to make sure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival,” he declared.
The Commission is sending additional staff members from various States to each of the three States in addition to two (2) National Commissioners, nine (9) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) for these off-cycle elections. To assist and supervise the election process, they will be judiciously placed throughout the United States’ senatorial districts.