The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed deep concern over the wave of insecurity in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states ahead of the governorship elections scheduled for November 11. The electoral umpire also noted that political parties were yet to comply substantially with the submission of the list of their agents, with only 55% of the expected total uploaded to the designated INEC Portal for the three states.

INEC appealed to political parties and their candidates to refrain from actions and statements that could escalate tensions and disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections. Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, emphasized the commission's commitment to closely monitoring the situation and maintaining engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Olumekun highlighted that the Commission had previously notified all political parties about the opening of its online portal for the upload of the list of polling units and collation center agents. Despite reminders, however, political parties have not fully complied with the submission of their agents' lists.

For Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, only 55% of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents have been uploaded to the INEC Portal. Similarly, only 25.1% of the expected 15,804 collation agents have been uploaded. Olumekun reminded political parties that the portal would automatically close at midnight on October 10, 2023, with no extension granted. Therefore, parties were urged to upload the list of their agents before the deadline.

INEC remains committed to ensuring a transparent and peaceful electoral process, and it calls on all stakeholders to cooperate and contribute to the success of the upcoming governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.

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