INEC shifts elections in 10 polling units at VGC, Lagos over insecurity
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections in 10 polling units (PUs) inside the Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos over security concerns.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Segun Agbaje, who disclosed this while addressing reporters at the VGC, Saturday, said the election will now hold on Sunday, March 19.
According to him, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) ad-hoc staff deployed to the affected area for Saturday’s governorship and state House of Assembly polls were hesitant to re-enter the VGC Estate over fears they will be held hostage again after a similar experience suffered during the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Agbaje said the commission’s ad hoc staff had set up voting stands in front of the estate on Saturday, instead of inside, but following fears raised by the residents that thugs might disrupt the process, the voters refused to come out and cast their votes.
Agbaje said the situation ‘was difficult for security agents to contain.,
“We have eight polling units here with 6,024 registered voters and out of which 5,624 people have their PVCs,” he stated, adding that two other polling units at the estate’s main gate were also affected. “Eight here (in the estate) and two outside,” he noted.
“After due consultation and further directive from the national headquarters, we should remobilise here tomorrow (Sunday) morning by 08:30am to conduct the elections.
“By 08:30am tomorrow (Sunday), we will reconvene here, ” said the Lagos REC.
Agbaje said the chairman of the security committee of the estate had assured the commission of the safety of corps members and INEC staff as well as the safety of voters.
