Ekiti Guber survey: Mixed logistics as INEC distributes materials, corps members report welfare gaps

Daud Olatunji

As preparations intensify ahead of Saturday’s governorship elections in Ekiti State, election logistics in several local government areas showed a mixed pattern of regular distribution, deployment of staff and welfare concerns for ad hoc staff.

Findings from several Registration Area Centers (RACs) across the state on Thursday, as provided by the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) to PLATFORM TIMES, indicated that while election materials were distributed in several locations without major disruptions, there were also gaps in welfare provision, delayed mobilization in some centers and minor disagreements over the mode of distribution.

In Oye Local Government Area, at St. Mary’s Primary School, Oye Ekiti, the RAC was observed to be empty at 3.38pm, with the school gate locked and no officials on the ground, raising concerns over the delayed activation of the center ahead of the poll.

However, in Moba Local Government Area at Moba Grammar School, Otun, the distribution of election materials was going smoothly, with Senior Presiding Officers (SPOs) briefing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on how to prepare them for election duties.

Despite the progress, welfare concerns emerged at Methodist Primary School, Ilupeju, also in Oye LGA, where only about five corps members and one RAC official were present at 4.21pm. The RAC official reportedly lamented the absence of basic necessities such as mattresses and buckets for corps members, saying none had been provided.

In Emure Local Government Area, orientation and briefing sessions for principals (POs) and assistant principals (APOs) were underway at St. Paul’s Primary School, Wards 5 and 8, with staff already in place as preparations steadily progressed.

Distribution of materials was also underway at the Ilejemeje LGA INEC office in Iye Ekiti, although minor disagreements over the modalities of deployment and utilization of the corps members were reported, with some tensions arising among officials. However, security officers were present to maintain order.

At an INEC central logistics point in Ekiti, materials were being distributed to various departments, with some vehicles still awaiting loading while others had already left for their respective destinations ahead of Saturday’s elections.

In Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, at the INEC office in Ijede, election materials were confirmed on the ground at 4.43pm, although loading onto buses had not started at the time of reporting. More than 20 police officers were stationed in the center.

In Ido/Osi Local Government Area (Ido II), SPOs confirmed the availability of all essential materials and logistics, but concerns were raised regarding accommodation as corps members reportedly provided mats instead of beds.

Meanwhile, at a super registration center in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, Ofigba community, distribution to multiple wards (Odo Ise I, II and III) was carried out under tight security, with police officers deployed around the facility as officials examined materials for movement.

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