The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will not allow itself to be used or manipulated by any political party during the Edo State governorship election.

The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sam Olumekun said this on Thursday while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin.

He urged the candidates to woe voters through their manifestos and leave INEC alone to do its job.

“Please, leave INEC alone; go out to the people. Go and convince the people to vote for you. INEC has no business about who wins an election; that is the point,” the REC told a gathering of party leaders and candidates at the meeting.

He added, “Go out there to the people. Tell them that you want to represent them; give them your manifesto and if they decide to vote for you, let them vote for you.”

“INEC is not going to do anybody’s bidding and I assure you on that.”

He denied any form of partisanship on the part of the commission, stating that he would resign if found to be biased with evidence.

He said, “I have heard about the allegations that INEC is compromised and stuffs like that. I can assure you, if anybody comes up with any evidence that I am compromised, I will resign within one hour of receiving such evidence.”

Azeez