Barely 24 hours to the commencement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Ogun state chapter of African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over alleged missing 6, 053 House of Representatives ballot papers meant for Imeki-Afon Local Government area of the state.
ADC in a petition dated 22nd February, 2019 and forwarded to the state’s Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Abdulganiyu Raji, the party accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of diverting a total of 6, 053 House of Representatives’ ballot papers to an unknown destination while on transit.
The letter jointly signed by the trio of ADC’ House of Reps Candidate, Jimoh Aremu Olaifa, the party’s L.G chairman Hon. Kayode Elegbede and the party’s agent, Ben Ibikunle, ADC demanded explanation from INEC’s office in Ogun state over the commission over the missing ballot papers.
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The party accused INEC of deliberately diverting the missing ballot papers while on transit to an unknown place after it was verified and confirmed completed before leaving Abeokuta, the state capital.
“Records from our agent at the Ogun state INEC office showed that a total of 62,853 ballot papers were released from the state INEC office for Imeko- Afon local government.
” however at the Imeko- Avon INEC office, only 56,790 was physically sighted and counted by our agent, agent of other political parties and security personnel thereby leaving a shortage of 6,053″.
“Interestingly, the same number of 62,853 ballot papers released for the Presidential and Senatorial election was physically sighted and counted by all concerned at the INEC office at Imeko-Afon local government.
In the letter copies of which were made available to Independent election observers, civil society groups and the media ADC appeal to Ogun REC to ensure that the missing over 6, 000 House of Reps ballot papers are accounted for with immediate effect.
“In order to safeguard the integrity of this election and nip in the bud, ongoing speculations that can threaten law and order in the local government area,” the party said.
