The commission said this four days to the governorship and state assembly
elections.
It denied allegations that it was selective in the use of smart card
readers in the presidential and national assembly elections.
Some persons and groups including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had
alleged the commission did not enforce the use of card readers in some
states during the presidential election.
There have also been speculations that INEC will not ensure strict
compliance with the card readers during the governorship and state
assemblies elections.
But in a statement issued on Tuesday, Festus Okoye, INEC director of voter
education and publicity, described the claims as “absolutely false and
without any basis whatsoever.”
Okoye said the use of the smart card reader in the elections is not only
mandatory but its deliberate non-use attracts possible prosecution of
erring officials.
“This is in addition to the voiding of any result emanating from such
units or areas as was done in the Presidential and National Assembly
elections of February 23. 2019,” he said.
“The general public and all officials engaged for the elections are hereby
informed that the Commission is not reconsidering the use of these Smart
Card Readers which has greatly improved the credibility of our elections
and instilled a high level of public trust in them.
“To clear any doubt or ambiguity, we wish to state that the deployment and
mandatory use Smart Card Readers in Saturday’s elections will not only be
uniform but also universal and the provisions of the Regulations and
Guidelines will be strictly and vigorously enforced. All Stakeholders are
to note and be guided accordingly please.”