Stakeholders in Nasarawa State on Saturday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth conduct of the presidential and National Assembly election.
They also commend the commission for the early arrival of electoral materials in the various polling units as well as the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accredition System (BVAS) device.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, who spoke with newsmen after casting his vote at about 10: 15 a.m., at Akabe Junction 023 polling unit, Doma Local Government Area expressed satisfaction with the entire process.
According to him, it has been seamless and not time consuming, adding that he is also impressed with the turnout at his polling unit.
He, however, observed that the reallocation of polling units to some voters by the INEC posed a challenge, as they encountered difficulties in identifying their new polling units.
Akabe expressed optimism that INEC would engage more with voters before the next round of elections in order to address the challenge associated with identifying the new polling voters were assigned.
Mr Henry Omaku, Nigeria Ambassador to Sierra Leone, also commended the INEC for the early arrival of electoral materials and security personnel for a hitch-free exercise.
He also commended the people of the area for their peaceful conduct during the election.
“As stakeholders, we inculcated some positive value into our people, by letting them know that politics is not a do or die affair, that they should imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.
“This is because if you resolve to engage in ballot snatching and destruction, it will add no value to you. Our people believe that there is no need to fight and they believe that every vote count,” he said.
Mr Mohammed Ogoshi-Onawo, PDP Nasarawa South Senatorial candidate, said the innovations, especially the BVAS brought by INEC to bear in the 2023 general election was a game changer.
He, however, stressed the need for INEC to do more in the area of voter education as a way of improving the electoral process.
In Lafia, Sen. Umaru Al-Makura, (APC/Nasarawa South), seeking re-election on same platform, also lauded the INEC for the painstaking efforts in organising the election, which he described as seamless.
He noted that the seamless process had contributed to the peaceful and orderly conduct witnessed in the election.
“As a signatory to the peace accord, I am faithful and committed to the peace accord, I have already gathered my supporters two days ago and told them to abide strictly by the peace accord,” he said.
