From Ayo Olowu, Osogbo
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As the 2019 general elections draw near, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has said it is leaving no stone unturned towards ensuring the conduct of  free, fair and credible elections that will meet the aspirations of all and sundry.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje made the assertion at the weekend while briefing journalists on the level of preparedness of the commission in the state for the forthcoming polls.

Agbaje however pointed out that if this broad objective must be achieved, all stakeholders must join hands with the commission by playing their various roles in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and  the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

He particularly urged political parties’ Leaders, contestants and their followers to shun all acts that could hinder the smooth conduct of the elections such as the use of thugs to disrupt the electoral process, snatching of ballot boxes, intimidation of election officials and vote buying among other electoral vices.

Speaking further, Agbaje said the commission will also embark on other key activities that are strategic to the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

These, he noted are training of Adhoc staff and security agents, comprehensive and targeted voter education in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, publication of the list of nominated candidates for Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 17, 2019 and the State House of Assembly Election on January 31, 2019.

Meanwhile, the commission has concluded arrangements to take the Permanent Voters Card to the Registration Areas for collection by their owners between Wednesday, January 16 and Monday, January 21, 2019 from 9.00am to 4.00pm daily.

Accordingly, those that are yet to collect their PVCs are advised to do so.

Agbaje enjoined all political parties that have nominated candidates for the 2019 General Elections to submit the list of their party agents for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on or before February 1, 2019 and that of the State Assembly Election on or before February 16, 2019.