"Thumb-printed ballot papers in Yahaya Bello’s house" – INEC reacts

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has released a statement in reaction to reports that some thumb-printed ballot papers were found at Governor Yahaya Bello’s house.

According to INEC, the reports are false and that all sensitive materials are in the Commission’s custody or at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s vaults.

The statement reads,

”INEC’s attention has been drawn to stories that ballot papers have found their way to the hands of politicians who are thumb printing same for their favoured party. Specifically, reference has been made to Kogi Central Senatorial District.

” This allegation is not true, as all sensitive materials are in the Commission’s custody or in the Central Bank’s vaults. The stamps in the ballot papers displayed do not represent any of the official stamps to be used in the forthcoming election.

”It should be noted that only duly stamped and dated ballot papers with the endorsement of the INEC Presiding Officer’s signature are valid and will be counted.”

Reports had on Sunday emerged that ballot papers meant for Kogi Central Senatorial district were thumb printed by APC members at the Governor’s house in GRA, Okene.