The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is gearing up for the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, with the deployment of over 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) and other sensitive election materials set to begin today (Thursday).
The sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, arrived in Edo State on Wednesday via Benin Airport and were transported to secure storage facilities under heightened security measures.
With the campaigns for the governorship election coming to an end today, the 17 political parties participating in the poll have finalized their strategies. Among the leading contenders in the race are Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.
A senior INEC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the deployment of over 5,000 BVAS devices, stating, “More than 5,000 BVAS devices will be deployed for the Edo State governorship election. BVAS is a sensitive election material. It will be deployed tomorrow (today) with other sensitive materials.”
INEC’s preparation extends across Edo’s 4,519 polling units and 211 collation centers, including 192 ward centers, 18 local government collation centers, and the state collation center in Benin City.
Additionally, INEC will deploy over 18,000 ad-hoc staff to oversee the polling units. Each unit will be managed by a Presiding Officer and three Assistant Presiding Officers (APO I, II, and III).
INEC has also increased its financial support to transport unions for election logistics and engaged various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and community leaders, to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process. INEC officials and security personnel are supervising the transportation and distribution of all election materials to maintain accountability and a smooth electoral process.
With these comprehensive measures in place, INEC aims to deliver a fair, secure, and efficient election across the state.