Ballot papers not signed, endorsed by Presiding Officers will not be counted -INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has allayed the fears of Nigerians on the reported possession of thumb-printed ballot papers by political parties, reiterating its earlier stance that only duly stamped ballot papers signed by election presiding officers would be recognised.

The Commision also assured Nigerians that all sensitive materials have been retrieved by the commission.

A statement by the commission read: “INEC’s attention has been drawn to stories that ballot papers have found their way to the hands of politicians who are thumbprinting same for their favoured party. Specifically, reference has been made to Kogi Central Senatorial District.

“This allegation is not true, as
all sensitive materials are in the Commission’s custody or in the Central
Bank’s vaults. The stamps in the ballot papers displayed do not represent any
of the official stamps to be used in the forthcoming election.

“It should be noted that only duly
stamped and dated ballot papers with the endorsement of the INEC Presiding
Officer’s signature are valid and will be counted.”

The postponement of election by
INEC few hours to the election have raised fears of election manipulation among
Nigerians and politicians, as election materials had already been distributed
to polling booths across the country before the late-hour postponement.