The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today confirmed that it has received the nomination of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) replacement for late Abubakar Audu’s as candidate ahead of the supplementary governorship election in Kogi State.
The Deputy Director, Publicity at INEC, Mr Nick Dazang, who confirmed this said,”they have sent the name of their replacement candidate, the second runner-up in their primaries, that is Yahaya Bello, to the commission.”
He reiterated that INEC is prepared and determined to conduct Kogi State Supplementary and Bayelsa governorship elections billed for this Saturday.
“The commission is committed to conduct the two elections, that is why in respect of kogi, in spite of what happened, we came out with public notice which invites the APC to submit its replacement candidate for the election,” he stated.
He added that the commission will hold a stakeholders forum today in Bayelsa State to underscore their readiness for the polls, adding that the distribution of non-sensitive materials for the Bayelsa poll has been concluded.
Dazang said “after the stakeholders’ forum, the commission will immediately on Wednesday commence the distribution of sensitive materials in the state. We are inviting the representatives of political parties, their agents, observers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media among others, to witness the distribution of sensitive materials.”
The deputy director added that national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners from neighboring states will be drafted to monitor the Bayelsa State governorship election.