The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

The exercise began at about 1:25am on Friday at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Ado-Ekiti, under tight security supervision involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Election observers, political party representatives and INEC officials monitored the process as materials were sorted and dispatched to the 16 local government areas of the state.

According to INEC, the distribution started with local government areas located farthest from the state capital, including Ilejemeje, Ido-Osi, Ikole, Ijero, Ekiti East and Emure, to ensure timely delivery ahead of the poll.

Security personnel were deployed to escort the vehicles conveying the materials to various destinations to prevent interference and guarantee safe delivery.

Speaking during the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the commission was fully prepared to conduct a credible, free and fair election.

He explained that the distribution of sensitive materials marks a key stage in INEC’s final preparations for the governorship poll, adding that the process was being conducted transparently with all stakeholders present.

Omoseyindemi assured voters of INEC’s commitment to delivering an election that reflects the will of the people and urged residents to participate peacefully.

He also commended the security agencies for their cooperation, noting that their presence was crucial to ensuring the safe movement of materials and the overall integrity of the electoral process.