The Independent National Electoral Commission has indicated its readiness to conduct rerun election in two polling units in Saki West State Constituency in line with the order of the Court of Appeal.
Dr Adeniran Tella, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, gave the indication on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the 2023 Annual Christmas Carol organised by the INEC in the state.
The Carol, themed, ‘Wonderful God in time of challenge,’ was held at the state headquarters of the Commission in Ibadan.
Tella stated that the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal necessitated the Commission’s preparedness for the rerun, owing to the margin of lead during the last election.
He said, “As we speak, INEC has come to the conclusion that election is going to be re-conducted in two registration areas (RAs) and two polling units in Saki West constituency.”
He, however, said that the date for the rerun had not been fixed, but assured the electorate in the affected polling units and the general public that it would hold within 90 days as ordered by the court.
NAN recalled that the appellate court had sacked Shittu Ibrahim of the All Progressives Congress, the lawmaker representing the constituency, who was declared winner of the election on March 18.
The court had upheld the Election Petitions Tribunal’s judgment in a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Julius Okedoyin, challenging Ibrahim’s declaration as the winner.
The affected polling units are Ward 6, Unit 7 and Ward 11, Unit 19 in Saki West.
Meanwhile, the REC has urged all Christian staff members of the Commission to imbibe the spirit of the season in their lives.
Rev. Gideon Oyeleke, in a sermon at the event, reminded Nigerians that while many were grappling with the challenges of life, others might be celebrating.
Oyeleke urged Christians to show love to the needy, adding that those in positions of authority should also have the fear of God.
He enjoined Nigerians to be submissive to the authority and continue to pray for the country.
Highlights of the event were reading of the nine bible lessons and special songs rendered by INEC, the Nigerian Correctional Services and the NSCDC choirs.
