The configuration of the smart card readers for the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly election will be completed on Wednesday.
This assertion was made on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Yakubu who spoke at a press briefing disclosed that 95 per cent of the configuration of the smart card readers had already been carried out.
His words: “You will recall in my last address to stakeholders on Saturday I mentioned that we intended to deployed card readers and we identified very clear time line for the delivery of the card readers.
“I want to report that as at last night, we have achieved 95 per cent configuration of the 180,000 card readers and this process is going to be completed early morning on Wednesday, one day ahead of schedule.
“We also told stakeholders that in response to appeal to the commission to extend the period of campaign by political parties, the commission yesterday also met with party leaders and extended the period for campaign to midnight of Thursday.
“Because of the extension of state elections taking place on March 9, the commission hereby extends the campaign for that election to Thursday before the election date.”
Giving the impression that the preparations for the election were going as planned Yakubu said ballot papers, result sheets and non-sensitive materials were at the required locations in the states of the federation.
He also pointed out that concerns regarding the delivery of materials as identified had been taken care of.
He disclosed that all materials would be taken to local governments and wards on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Personnel and materials must arrive at polling units latest 7 a.m. on Saturday and the opening of poll will take place by 8 on Saturday,’’ he assured.
He reiterated his commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible election.
He called on Nigerians to continue to bear with INEC and show understanding.
