Osun election: INEC identifies volatile areas, boosts security presence

Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission, has revealed that the commission, in collaboration with security agencies, has heightened security measures for voters at polling units in Osun State, identifying potential flashpoints at these locations.

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She noted that while the pre-election atmosphere in Osun State is tense, the commission has intensified efforts to prevent vote trading, warning sternly against voter card theft, and made these comments during an interview on Arise TV's 'Prime Time' show on Monday.

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Eta-Messi described the situation in Osun State, stating "Osun is tense, and it's not what citizens were expecting, with a lot of desperation in the land," and emphasized that the commission is taking proactive steps to address vote trading.

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The commission has engaged with various stakeholders, including traditional rulers and Osun mothers, to spread awareness and prevent vote trading, particularly among the youth, who are often victims of this practice.

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According to Eta-Messi, volatile areas have been mapped, and additional security will be deployed to these locations, with the military providing support to prevent potential outbreaks of violence.

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The commission has drawn up a comprehensive plan with the security architecture to ensure adequate security deployment, and the military will provide backup support in areas where violence is suspected.

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Plans are in place to protect people in mapped-out areas, ensuring their safety and the security of the commission's properties, so that voters feel safe to cast their ballots.

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Adequate security will be provided in areas with potential fears of violence, and security personnel will be on the ground to perform their duties, as Eta-Messi emphasized that the commission cannot arrest, but will work with the police.

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The INEC executive commended the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security and other security agencies for their collaboration to prevent violence, with volatile centers mapped out to guide security deployment.

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Eta-Messi praised the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, stating that they have done a lot, with the commission and the Nigeria Police Force as lead agencies, and the NSA as co-chair at the national level.

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The committee has conducted security planning, risk mapping, and coordination, noting that Osun State is tense, and some areas are volatile, which will guide security deployment to ensure citizens feel safe to vote.

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Regarding reported stolen PVCs in Ife Central and Odo-Otin Local Government Areas, Eta-Messi revealed that a stolen Permanent Voter Card cannot be used to cast votes, thanks to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which captures voters' biometric details.

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She explained that attempting to use a stolen PVC would be futile, as the BVAS requires facial or biometric capture, and the commission has printed replacement cards for those whose cards were stolen in the affected areas.

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Eta-Messi warned that individuals attempting to use stolen cards will be wasting their time and may be liable to arrest by the police, as the stolen cards have been noted and replaced.

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The commission's Chairman, Joseph Amupitan, visited Osun State, engaging with traditional rulers and representatives of several political parties, and Eta-Messi noted that the commission has conducted several layers of engagement with critical stakeholders.

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During the visit, the Chairman and his team conducted integrity tests on technological devices, a mock accreditation, and met with transport unions and security personnel to ensure a smooth election process.

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Eta-Messi emphasized that a lot relies on the security personnel, particularly the police, to ensure that citizens of Osun State feel safe to vote on election day, given the tense atmosphere in the state.