The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has confirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible and transparent governorship election in Ondo State on November 16.
During his visit to INEC’s Local Government Area (LGA) offices in the state on Tuesday, Yakubu provided updates on the commission’s preparations.
“In terms of the level of preparation so far, I am really impressed by what the state and local government offices have achieved,” Yakubu said, expressing his satisfaction with the preparations.
He confirmed that all non-sensitive materials required for the election are already in place at the local government offices. He assured that sensitive materials would arrive next week.
“What remains is the sensitive materials, which will arrive on Tuesday next week,” he stated.
“On Wednesday, there will be inspection of sensitive materials by all parties, candidates, observers, the media, security agencies, and officials of the commission. Then on Thursday, we will commence the movement of the materials to LGAs. And then, there will be the same inspection at the LGA levels before we move the materials to the wards on Friday.”
Yakubu also emphasized the readiness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the election, explaining that the devices have been configured and will be deployed along with the sensitive materials.
The INEC chairman highlighted safety measures for election officials, especially those assigned to riverine areas of Ondo State, where transporting materials poses additional challenges.
“For those going to riverine areas, we have also devised the means of ramping the materials in case anything happens; the materials will float on the river and we pick them up,” he said.
Yakubu stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all INEC staff and security personnel during the election process.
“We place premium on the security of our own officials, either ad hoc or regular, as well as the security personnel who will accompany the election materials. Not only the riverine in Ondo State, but all the riverine areas nationwide, all officials will be provided life jackets. This is part of our preparation.”
INEC’s commitment to improving election standards in the country remains firm, Yakubu assured, as he underscored the commission’s dedication to a secure and fair election.