Senate committee leads National Assembly delegation to monitor Osun poll

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Senate

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By Henry Umoru

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ABUJA — The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has led a delegation of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters on an oversight visit to Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

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The delegation, led by the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), visited the state on Thursday as part of efforts to assess the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the off-cycle election.

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A statement issued on Friday by Lalong’s Media Office said the visit was conducted in line with the oversight powers vested in the National Assembly under Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

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Members of the delegation, comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives, were received by the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Babalola, and other national commissioners deployed to the state for the election.

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Lalong said the purpose of the visit was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of INEC’s level of preparedness and identify any challenges that could affect the conduct of the election.

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He said the exercise was also aimed at ensuring that the electoral process met the required standards for a free, fair and credible election.

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The committee was briefed on security arrangements, as well as the deployment of sensitive electoral materials to polling units across the state.

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According to the statement, INEC officials assured the delegation that the commission was fully prepared to conduct the election.

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The committee noted the issues raised during the briefing and pledged to initiate further legislative action where necessary.

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The delegation is expected to continue its oversight activities as stakeholders make final preparations for Saturday’s election.

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