Gov’ship polls: INEC completes BVAS re-configuration, begins deployment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the re-configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, to enable their use for the March 18 state elections, Daily Trust learnt from senior officials Tuesday.

An official of the commission told Daily Trust in confidence that the machines, being sensitive election materials, would be deployed to INEC state offices before deployment to local governments, wards and polling units (PUs) on election day.

It was also learnt that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is leading the airlift of the BVAS machines for the security and smoothness of the operation.

“The early deployment from Wednesday to the states was to ensure that there are no lapses or delays in their deployment. They would be moved to safe locations in states and to the LGAs, wards and polling units,” the official said.

• Man remanded over kidnapping of neighbour’s daughter, demanding N10m
• NASS leadership: Why APC must zone positions – Umahi

INEC had shifted the governorship and state assembly election by one week due to a delay in commencing the re-configuration of the BVAS machines after a court ruling on the matter.