INEC speaks on alleged thumb printed ballot papers in Gov Yahaya Bello’s house

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

But, reacting in a statement on its Twitter page, the electoral umpire described the allegation as false.

According to INEC, 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.”