The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has expressed fresh fears over the upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, reiterated this stance on Thursday when he appeared before the Senate and House Representatives Committee on INEC with other Commissioners.

He particular noted that apart from a strain on state facilities, there is also the issue of governors using power of incumbency to the detriment of other opposition parties and their candidates.

Speaking specifically on Edo, Mahmood noted that despite the challenge of flooding, there is also the issue of security.

GALAXY TV reports that the head of the electoral umpire further expressed worry over the alleged deployment of operatives of the Edo State Security Network ESSN to curse commotion during the September 21 polls.

While outlining the activities for the Edo and Ondo elections, the INEC boss said submission of all polling agents will be done 30 days before the respective elections.

He added that 17 candidates will be contesting the governorship position in both states with Edo fielding the only female candidate in the entire polls.