Kwara State is set for Saturday's Presidential and National Assembly elections.

About 10,400 adhoc-staff have been deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to all the 2,512 polling units in the State.

Similarly, 10,000 security operatives have been strategically deployed to all nooks and cranies of the state to ensure a hitch-free exercise and forestall all unforeseen contingencies.

The Head of Voter Education and Publicity of INEC in the State, Barrister Jacob Ayanda told Voice of Nigeria the commission was fully prepared for a credible and transparent electoral process.

“All sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been moved to all wards across the state, with adequate security already provided to contain any external aggression,’’ Barrister Ayanda said.

He explained that only 892,198 people collected their Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, out of 1,179,658eligible voters in the state and stressed that only those with PVC would be allowed to vote.    

On the card readers, Barrister Ayanda stated that 3091 smart card readers provided have all been fully charged and extras already provided in case of breakdown or any challenge.

He therefore tasked all eligible voters with their permanent voter cards to be available at their respective polling units before 8:00am and abide by all the electoral procedures,to enable them exercise their franchise.

Barrister Iyanda also cautioned politicians and those not recognised by the commission to desist from moving around during the polls, while for no reason should any electorate be seen with any identification of any political party.

Also in another interview, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi said all security operatives deployed have been adequately trained on their roles during the elections.

Okasanmi also advised all eligible voters to go all out to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation, saying on no account would military officers or any other security operative harass anybody as long as they abide by the electoral laws and processes. 

He warned security operatives to steer clear of polling units, adding that the restriction of movement between 8:00am to 5pm local time, except those on essential services who have been fully accredited.