KPU says fuel price hike will not affect Edo election

The National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Saturday the recent increase in petrol prices would not affect the conduct of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

Chief Press Secretary to the KPU Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated this while answering questions from journalists at a pre-election press conference in Abuja.

He said the commission had met with officials of the National Union of Highway Workers (NURTW) to discuss the new developments.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on Tuesday increased the pump price of fuel from N617 to N885 per litre at its retail outlets across the country.

He said: “First of all, I am aware that the commission, in the last few days, has met with NURTW officials to discuss this issue, and I am confident that a resolution has been reached.

“Of course, when you plan an election, you have what’s called contingency, because you don’t know what could happen. There could be changes and so on.

“So, we don’t expect the transport companies to operate at a loss. If oil prices go up, for example, and they now want a hike, this can be discussed.

“As I said, I was not at the meeting, but the meeting was held, and I believe there was an agreement reached.

“We have to hold the election. So, I don’t think it will cause any problems.”

Regarding the KPU’s preparation for the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the training, Oyekanmi said that the KPU will continue to make its best efforts so that PWD can exercise their right to vote.

“Usually, our Lead Officers are trained that when they see someone in a wheelchair or someone who is considered a PWD, that person immediately comes to the front of the queue, and Nigerians cooperate with us in that regard.

“For example, elderly people, people who use wheelchairs, people with special needs, and pregnant people, not people who put something in their stomachs, we give that respect,” he added.

INEC says fuel price hike won’t affect Edo election first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.