Traditional rulers can play significant role in electoral process success- INEC Official

Traditional rulers can play significant role in electoral process success- INEC Official.

Dr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, says traditional rulers play significant roles in the success of any electoral process.

Agboke made the assertions on Wednesday when he led management team of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State, on a courtesy visit to Oba Olalekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at his Alarere residence, Ibadan.

REC said the roles of traditional rulers were very significant and could not be neglected for the nation’s democratic system to grow.

“This fact is the main reason we are here, being a respected traditional ruler in Ibadanland to solicit for your assistance and cooperation.

“Also, we are here to rejoice with you for ascending the throne of your forefathers,” Agboke said.

He urged Balogun to use his position to prevail on people whose PVCs were in the custody of the commission to come forward and collect them.

REC said over 700,000 uncollected PVCs were in the custody of the commission, urging stakeholders to assist in sensitising the general public on the need to collect the PVCs ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“Aside the collection of PVCs by the residents, as earlier noted, we want Kabiyesi to help appeal to various political parties to play the game according to the rules of engagement.

”INEC is doing everything possible to ensure hitch-free elections, but, we need the cooperation of the political parties by adhering to the rules.

“When the law says no to vote-buying, it is not INEC, but political parties that go about with money at the polling centres,” Agboke said.

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He said that the fourth quarter of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) would begin on April 11 and end on June 30.

REC appealed to Olubadan to help prevail on residents who were yet to register for PVCs to participate in the exercise.

Responding, Balogun assured INEC official of his support for the programmes of the commission.

The Olubadan urged the commission to intensify its public sensitisation to create awareness on its activities.

He equally appealed to both the politicians and the electorate to work toward making Nigeria great by complying with the electoral laws.

“Let us participate effectively in all the electoral activities and vote peacefully during elections.

“Let us collaborate with INEC since the commission is ready for credible elections, we as citizens too should be ready.

“I appeal to all to let us see to the greatness of this country by doing things rightly,” Olubadan said.