Avoid pressures that will render elections inconclusive, Cleric tells INEC

Rev. Supo Ayokunle, the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, has advised INEC to refrain from acts that can make Saturday’s elections inconclusive.
Ayokunle gave the advice in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by Eben Durodola, the Public Relations Officer of the NBC.
The president noted that sincere and transparent preparations by the electoral commission would bring about credible and conclusive elections.
He said: “INEC must do everything possible to ensure that adequate electoral materials get to the various destinations at the appropriate time.
“A situation where certain areas will be given sensitive electoral materials less than the number of voters should be avoided to ensure mass participation of Nigerians.”
Ayokunle expressed concern that Nigerians might be apathetic toward the elections due to the extra cost of travelling as a result of the shift in polls.
He, however, added that Nigerians needed to sacrifice everything to ensure the success of the elections by voting for the candidates of their choice.
Ayokunle also urged the security personnel to make the interest of the country a priority in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the elections.
He said: “They should not allow anybody to pressurise them to do anything capable of rendering the elections unacceptable to Nigerians and the international community.”
The NBC president, however, cautioned political parties and their members against thuggery and ballot snatching.
On the restriction during Saturday’s elections, Ayokunle urged the Federal Government to reduce the period and allow airlines to operate freely.