KWASIEC says 21,000 applied for 7,000 ad hoc job during Saturday’s LG elections

Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), says more than 21,000 persons applied for ad hoc jobs in Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

Baba-Okanla made this disclosure on Wednesday in Ilorin while speaking during the 42nd edition of the Media Parliament Conversation by the Kwara Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He also disclosed that only five political parties were registered and would field candidates in the elections.

The Commission Chairman listed the parties as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Accord Party (AP).

“The number of job applicants reflected the socio-political situation in the country, even though only about 7,000 of the applicants were eventually considered.”

He, however, expressed the commission’s readiness to conduct hitch-free local government elections across the 2,887 poling units in the state.

“I am pleased to announce that the commission has carefully crafted a comprehensive timetable for Saturday’s local government elections to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the electoral process.

“Polling units will open by 8 s.m., and voting will be concluded by 3 p.m., after which sorting, counting, and collation of results will begin immediately,” Baba-Okanla said.

He added that results would be collated at the designated collation centres and announced after counting was concluded.

The KWASIEC Chairman said his commission was fully prepared for the council polls, adding that they would work diligently to ensure that every aspect of the electoral process was well organised.

“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 laws.”

He disclosed that his commission had been collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the council polls.

“The issue of the voter register is one that we have taken very seriously.

“A credible voter register is the foundation of any free and fair election, as it ensures that only eligible citizens participate in the electoral process,” Baba-Okanla said.

He disclosed that the Commission had organised training programs for its staff and the ad hoc staff who would supervise the elections across the state’s 193 wards.

The KWASIEC Chairman added that the commission has also held consultations with the security agencies in the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the polls.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kwara Council of NUJ, AbdulLateef Ahmed, had expressed delight that the state thought it wise to put in place democratically elected governments at the local government level.

Represented by the Council Vice-Chairman, Hajia Binta Mora, the Council chairman urged the electoral body to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.