Th e Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia state has solicited the support of the traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union executives and other critical stakeholders for the conduct of free, fair and credible election come 2019. INEC made this plea in an address presented to Abia state Council of traditional rulers by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Joseph Iloh. Th e REC noted that there is need for more information dissemination to ensure that the target audience is reached. Th e commission however appealed to traditional/religious leaders, town union executives, traders association, road transport workers union and offi cer, Non -Governmental Organizations to assist it in explaining to their activities. Th e Residents Electoral Commissioner who listed three major challenges confronting the commission to include: Citizens/ Registrants apathy across the state, distances from the various communities to INEC registration centres in the respective council areas and awareness creation while noting that the commission has running jingles in the media, harped on more information dissemination. Iloh who further explained that in the recent past that the commission has taken steps to ensure that the country has transparent ,free, fair and credible election stressed that the commission views activities predating election seriously hence, the need for series of consultations and briefl y of stakeholders, partners and interest groups. Th e REC therefore seeks their cooperation while assuring that it shall conduct a free fair and credible election in 2019. Responding, Chairman, Abia state council of traditional rulers council, HRM Eze (Dr) Eberechi Dick assured that his message will be delivered to their subjects also assured him of working in synergy to achieve free, fair and credible polls.
