During a press conference in Abuja on the activities of the commission two days before the presidential and National Assembly polls, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, confirmed on Thursday that the commission had received the funds it requested for logistical operations for the elections.
This comes after Yakubu’s meeting with CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on February 7 to discuss the need for cash. According to Yakubu, a significant portion of the funds has already been received by INEC offices nationwide and has helped to facilitate the movement of sensitive materials.
He further stated that the materials would be moved to the registration area centers on Friday and polling units on Saturday morning.
Yakubu also addressed security concerns, assuring all stakeholders of a safe and conducive environment for the elections. He noted that the commission had suffered attacks in various parts of the country but has recovered and is working with security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters, staff, and observers.
On the issue of vote-buying, Yakubu expressed confidence in INEC’s joint operations with other agencies to reduce the prospect of voter inducement, emphasizing that the use of mobile phones and photographic devices at the voting cubicles is still prohibited.