The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised the alarm over acts of thuggery, irregularities and delay in the distribution of election materials during today’s governorship election in Ondo State.
In a statement issued Saturday in Akure, Ondo State, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party therefore called on INEC officials and security agencies to move fast to rectify the situation.
The party said inadequate security has been reported in many localities in the State, with the worst-hit areas being Idanre and Okitipupa.
“In Idanre, for example, thugs on motorcycles are harassing voters and agents of the opposition. There are also reports of stuffed ballot boxes being moved to polling booths with the protection of Labour Party thugs.
“In Owo, a state government Commissioner has been arrested by soldiers after he was found with weapons. The widespread insecurity has led to apprehension by voters, and there is the need for security agencies to urgently deploy additional security to the affected areas.”
ACN also alleged that many of its agents whose names were forwarded to INEC were not given accreditation tags in several polling units across the state, raising fears that the party’s agents may not be able to monitor the election. It however, called on the INEC to immediately remedy the situation.
The party lamented the delay in election materials to get to some polling units hours after there were distributed to many polling units across the state
“Specifically, materials have not been brought to Ese Odo LG Ward 1 Unit 11, as well as Akure South Ward 8 Wofere Unit. Also at both Units, INEC officials have not been sighted. At the Ese Odo LG, Apoi 4, Unit 1, duplicate EC8A was presented”, the statement disclosed.
