The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election in the next Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election.
INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting with all 17 governorship candidates.
He said that the commission will deploy BVAS machines for voter accreditation at polling units and for uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing, IReV, portal.
Yakubu also warned staff that there would be consequences for any dereliction of duty.
He outlined INEC’s extensive preparations, including voter registration, PVC collection, and data on collected and uncollected PVCs for each of Ondo’s 3,933 polling units. The commission also provided detailed information on the state’s 2,053,061 registered voters, including demographic details.
“The commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organizations deploying 3,554 observers for the election,” he noted.
He further stated that over 100 media organizations, with 700 personnel—including 129 female journalists—were accredited, marking the largest media presence for any off-cycle governorship election in Nigeria.
Accreditation cards for stakeholders, election duty vehicle stickers, and logistical arrangements, including land and maritime transportation of materials, are also in place. Sensitive materials are expected to arrive by Tuesday next week, with inspection planned at the Central Bank in Akure.
The candidates pledged that their supporters would act in an orderly manner throughout the election period. They also appealed to INEC and the police to remain impartial.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced a deployment of 22,239 officers, supplemented by additional personnel from sister agencies, to ensure security during the election. Speaking through AIG Zone 17, Abiodun Asabi, he urged stakeholders to avoid violence, thuggery, and adopt a sportsmanlike attitude.
He reassured the public that security agencies are committed to providing a peaceful and conducive environment before, during, and after the election, building on the success of the Edo election.