The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos on Friday appealed to all stakeholders in the forthcoming by-election in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency to shun violence, which was capable of making an election inconclusive.

Mr Clement Oha, the Administrative Secretary of the commission, made the plea at the stakeholders’ interactive meeting with leaders of political parties at the headquarters of INEC  in the state.

The forum, which was meant to give notice of the by- election, had in attendance leaders of many political parties.

Oha said that the conclusiveness and inconclusiveness of any election depends on the conduct of stakeholders.

“We have been unjustly termed a body that conducts inconclusive elections, but people do not know why elections are not conclusive.

“The conclusiveness and inconclusiveness of elections depend on people, but we will ensure that whatever we do is in accordance with the law.

“On our part, we are not going to disappoint people, we will conduct an election that all will be proud of and showcase to the world.

“Tell your supporters to be peaceful and orderly; we are committed to conduct free and fair election. Let us eschew violence, crisis and vices that can occasion the suspension of the election,” he said.

The INEC boss urged political parties interested in the by-election to conduct primaries and play the game according to the law.

According to him, the commission is ready to conduct a credible election with all logistics being put in place.

“We can assure the people that we will not fail in our responsibilities. We have made adequate preparations for the success the election.

“The election will be smooth and flawless. If the election is smooth, we can declare the result before 12 pm of the election day,” he said.

Oha said that voters’ registers would soon be displayed in the 687 Polling Units in the constituency.

He said that accreditation and voting would go on simultaneously, and the commission had provided enough backups for card readers, in the event of any malfunction.

The INEC official said that the commission would collaborate with security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the election was concluded peacefully.

Meanwhile, most leaders of political parties in attendance urged INEC to be non partisan and ensure that the card readers function well.

Mr Biodun Popoola, the State Chairman of Labour Party, urged the commission to put in place mechanisms to ensure a flawless poll.

Mr Muyideen Abdulraheem, Lagos State Legal Adviser of PDP called on INEC to perfect workings of card readers.

Recall that the former House of Representatives’ member from the constituency Mr Elijah Adewale, died in Abuja on July 20.