The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has stated that 110 candidates are vying for the chairmanship and vice chairmanship positions at the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, at the February 12 council election.

Yabuku added that 363 candidates are contesting for 62 councillorship positions.

The INEC Chairman made the disclosure while speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the FCT area council election on Saturday.

He further revealed that the Commission has published the final list of 473 candidates sponsored by 14 political parties for the council polls.

Yakubu, while speaking on the level of security in the FCT, said the Commission has held several meetings with the security agencies in the nation’s capital to address potential threats to the election and secure the poll.

The INEC boss stated that sensitive materials will be delivered to the Commission’s office in Garki by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

He said: “After the period for substitution and withdrawal of candidates as provided by law, the Commission has published the final list of 473 candidates sponsored by 14 political parties for the elections.

“In all, 110 candidates (Chair and Vice Chair) are vying for the leadership of the six Area Councils while 363 candidates are competing for 62 councillorship positions. Detailed analysis of the candidates by Area Councils, political parties, gender, age, and educational qualifications has already been uploaded to our website for public information.

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“With only four days to the election, most of the major activities have been carried out. Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) was conducted over a period of six months. Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) have been printed and made available for collection. There are enough ad hoc staff engaged and trained for the election. Non-sensitive materials have been deployed to the various Area Councils.

“Non-pharmaceutical materials have been procured to protect voters and personnel from COVID-19 in line with the Commission’s policy based on the protocols prescribed by health authorities. Voter education and publicity have been carried out. Transport arrangements have been made, including motorcycles for remote locations and boats for riverine areas. We shall deploy assistive devices such as Braille ballot guide and magnifying glasses for the physically challenged voters.

The INEC Chairman added: “We had several meetings with the security agencies in the area councils, the FCT, and the national level on how to address potential threats to the election and secure the election. All non-sensitive materials have already been delivered to the Area Councils. On Thursday 10th February 2022 i.e. in the next two days, sensitive materials will be delivered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to our FCT Office in Garki.

“As usual, party agents, observers, and the media will be invited to inspect the materials before they are moved to the   Area Councils on the same day. Security personnel will provide escort to the Area Councils and protection of the materials until they reach the polling units on Election Day.”

TheStar