The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that the recent hike in petrol price will not impact the conduct of the governorship election in Edo State.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, gave this assurance during a pre-election news conference in Abuja.
Oyekanmi explained that the Commission is making provisions to ensure that transporters are not affected by the fuel price increase. He revealed that INEC has been meeting with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to discuss the matter and find a solution.
“Well, first of all, I am aware that the commission, in the last couple of days, met with the officials of the NURTW to discuss this matter, and I’m sure the resolution was reached,” Oyekanmi said. “Of course, when you are planning for election, you have what is called contingency, because you don’t know what can happen. There could be changes and all of that. So, we don’t expect transporters to operate at a loss. If oil has gone up, for instance, and they now want some increment, this could be discussed. We have to conduct that election. So, I don’t think that will cause some problems.”
On the Commission’s preparations for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to participate in the election, Oyekanmi said INEC would continue to do its best to ensure that PWDs can exercise their franchise. He noted that while the facilities used for polling units may not be purposely-built for PWDs, electoral officers have been trained to offer the needed assistance to them to cast their votes.
INEC’s assurance is expected to allay fears that the fuel price hike could disrupt the election, which is scheduled to hold soon. The Commission’s contingency plans and engagement with transporters are seen as a proactive measure to ensure a smooth and successful election.
