The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in the Ondo State governorship poll scheduled for next Saturday.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu gave this assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting with all 17 governorship candidates, outlining the commission’s extensive preparations for a transparent process.
Yakubu confirmed that INEC would deploy Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for voter accreditation at polling units and to upload results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Warning staff against any lapses, Yakubu emphasized that negligence would carry consequences.
He detailed INEC’s preparations, including voter registration, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, and data on collected and uncollected PVCs across Ondo’s 3,933 polling units.
The commission also shared comprehensive demographic information on the state’s 2,053,061 registered voters.
“The commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organizations deploying 3,554 observers for the election,” Yakubu disclosed, adding that over 100 media organizations with 700 personnel—including 129 female journalists—had been accredited, marking the largest media presence for an off-cycle governorship election in Nigeria.
Additionally, INEC has readied accreditation cards, election duty vehicle stickers, and logistical support, including land and maritime transportation for election materials.
Sensitive materials are slated to arrive in Ondo by Tuesday, with a public inspection scheduled at the Central Bank in Akure.
The governorship candidates pledged that their supporters would act peacefully throughout the election period and called on INEC and the police to remain impartial.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Zone 17, Abiodun Asabi, announced the deployment of 22,239 officers, supplemented by additional personnel from other agencies, to maintain security during the election.
He urged stakeholders to avoid violence, thuggery, and to uphold a sportsmanlike attitude.
Egbetokun assured the public that security forces were committed to creating a peaceful environment before, during, and after the election, building on the successful security efforts of the recent Edo election.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate