The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, has shared his disbelief after witnessing a masquerade voting in the state’s recent general election.
During a stakeholder meeting aimed at ensuring a peaceful governorship election in November 2023, Longpet expressed his shock upon seeing the video clip of the unusual incident.
“How do we end up registering masquerades to vote in Kogi?” Longpet questioned. 
Longpet advised politicians to adhere to the rules, adding that the voting masquerade’s audacity was likely inspired by politicians rather than officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or security operatives.
He highlighted the commission’s responsibility to conduct elections within the boundaries of the law while working towards a credible, free, and fair governorship election on November 11 in the state.
Longpet also addressed the violence and destruction that marked some parts of the last election, underscoring the importance of stability and safety at voting points.
“The final list of candidates for the November 11 governorship election has been published. Public campaigning is set to start on June 14, 2023. Let’s all focus on issues and urge our supporters to follow the rules as stated in the Electoral Act 2022,” he said.
In addition to urging political actors to avoid engaging in thuggery and other destructive actions, Longpet revealed that the commission apprehended 215 electoral offenders in the last nationwide election, who will soon face prosecution.
Representatives from various security agencies in the state, including the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Ishola, and several traditional rulers and interest groups, joined Longpet in calling for peace and good conduct during the elections.
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