The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has begun distributing sensitive materials—ballot papers and results sheets—for the upcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections to the state’s local government areas (LGAs). The materials were received from the Central Bank of Nigeria on Wednesday. The distribution exercise, led by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State Mr. Olusegun Agbaje and Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Idowu Owohunwa, was monitored by various stakeholders.
INEC electoral officers from all 20 LGAs were on the ground to deliver the materials to their respective LGA offices. Speaking to the press, Mr. Agbaje affirmed that INEC is ready to conduct free, fair, and credible elections on Saturday and called for the cooperation and support of all stakeholders. He emphasized that the sensitive materials are secure and intact, inviting stakeholders to verify the commission’s transparency. The onward distribution from the councils to the state’s 245 wards will commence on Thursday, with the aim of delivering the materials to Registration Area Centres by Friday and to Polling Units by Saturday morning.
Mr. Agbaje noted that the election will be held in 40 constituencies on Saturday, March 18, and that the sensitive materials collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria will be escorted by security agencies to all 20 LGAs. The exercise was conducted in full view of political party agents, civil society organisations, observers, and the media to demonstrate the commission’s transparency. He also said that INEC has appealed to security agencies to prevent any incidents on election day, and that the Commissioner of Police has assured improved security conditions.
The commission is in constant contact with members of the Inter‑Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to enhance safety and ensure a free and fair election. In remarks represented by ACP Sagir Ismail, the Commissioner of Police assured voters and residents that adequate security personnel will be deployed on election day and urged everyone to exercise their franchise without fear.
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