The Independent National Electoral Commission has said the fire that gutted its Electoral Institute will not affect any of its scheduled elections.
The elections are scheduled to hold on March 28 and April 11.
However, sine the news about the fire that gutted the institute broke out early on Sunday, there was apprehension that some sensitive materials for the elections could have been affected.
The result of the 2011 presidential election was announced within the compound of the institute, which is located along Air Port Road, Abuja.
However, while allaying the fears that the fire could affect the elections, the commission also ruled out political mischief in the fire.
The warehouse in the electoral institute was hit by the fire outbreak which started at 11pm on Saturday night and was put off around 2am on Sunday.
INEC’s Director of Security, Mr. Shettima Ngilladar, who conducted journalists around the affected area, said the fire was caused by power surge which he said caused the electrical panel to go up in flames.
He explained that no electoral material for the 2015 elections was in the warehouse as they have been deployed to all the states of the federation.
He said the materials affected were old stock used during the 2011 general elections, adding that security agencies were already investigating the matter.
He said, “These are non-sensitive materials that have been banned in the warehouse. You will see it yourself, it is not hidden.
“It is something clear, this banned non-sensitive materials have nothing to do with the elections.
“They are old materials in store that has not been evacuated. These are old stock of non sensitive materials, like bags, envelopes, election forms which were used in 2011. They won’t be used for 2015 elections. Everything here is non-sensitive. Police on ground and security investigation is on.”
Concerning the financial loss arising from the outbreak, he said, “I cannot quantify now because they are envelopes and bags. And old used forms for elections. So it is not something I can say how much.”
Ruling out political sabotage, he said “whether it is too long or too early, there is no political motive about it. It is an electric fault.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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I hope our young for nothing drunkard president will let you conduct the elections. #bringbackourgirls
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