EXTRA: I watched a masquerade voting in last election, says Kogi REC

Hale Longpet, the resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Kogi, has warned masquerades against showing up during the governorship election scheduled for November 11.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the election, the REC said he was shocked when he saw a video clip of a masquerade voting in the last election conducted in the state.

“At what point do we register masquerades to vote in Kogi?” Longpet asked.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully equipped and prepared for the forthcoming governorship election.

“Therefore, we expect all the participating political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves orderly for a peaceful, free and fair poll.”

Longpet added that the campaign will start on Friday, advising that politicians should make it issue-based and avoid every pointer to violence.

He said politicians should adhere to the rule of law in the build-up to the election, adding that the commission is ready to ensure a credible, free and fair election in the state.

“Final list of candidates contesting the 11th November governorship election in the state has been published. Campaign in public is expected to commence on June 14, 2023. Let us all engage in the campaign of issues and caution supporters to operate with the rules as amended in the electoral act 2022.”

On Tuesday, the Kogi state government warned politicians to desist from making reckless and inflammatory statements ahead of the gubernatorial election.

Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner of information, said those spreading falsehood in the state should prepare to face the wrath of the law.