Ahead of the much-anticipated Ondo State governorship election, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, has assured voters of a seamless and credible electoral process.
Speaking to Journalists, Babalola highlighted the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) extensive preparations aimed at ensuring that all necessary logistics are in place to enable voters to exercise their franchise with ease.
“We are ready,” Babalola said. “We have created enough voter awareness through multiple channels, and all necessary materials have been deployed. Our Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices—over 4,000 in total—are ready and stationed across polling units statewide.”
According to Babalola, INEC has recruited and trained ad-hoc staff, including presiding officers, supervisors, and assistant presiding officers, who have now been posted to their designated polling units.
She noted that transport arrangements are in place, with the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers pledging their full support. Most vehicles were already en route to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) to ensure personnel and materials reach polling units early.
Addressing concerns about security, Babalola stated that INEC is working closely with the security agencies, which have deployed over 30,000 personnel across the state. These officers have undergone special training for the election to ensure professionalism and commitment to their roles. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are also part of the election’s security committee, and they have implemented strategies to combat vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.
The REC assured Ondo residents that the election would begin on time, with all materials promptly available at polling units. She urged registered voters to come out early to cast their votes, emphasizing that INEC’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity would be maintained throughout the process.
“Results from the BVAS devices will be directly uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as part of our commitment to transparency. We want to assure the electorate that the entire process will be free, fair, and credible,” Babalola added.
Adding to the preparations, Mr. Omotade Ayodele Folorunsho, Director of Corps Welfare at the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja, representing the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, affirmed the readiness of the 6,233 corps members mobilized to support the election across the state’s 18 local government areas. He noted that sensitization sessions held the previous day had equipped corps members with the necessary information and motivation to fulfill their roles.
“From our observations yesterday, the corps members are fully prepared and highly motivated to participate in this national call to duty,” Folorunsho stated. He highlighted that corps members had been briefed on their assigned locations, with training conducted in collaboration with INEC, and additional sessions on security provided through engagements with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Commissioner of Police.
Folorunsho underscored NYSC’s commitment to maintaining discipline and adherence to the Electoral Act among corps members, who he affirmed are well-versed in the rules of engagement. “These are graduates, well-schooled in the Electoral Act,” he said. “Our corps members are ready to offer their patriotic service once again in Ondo State.”
With high voter anticipation, logistical arrangements, and assurances from INEC and NYSC officials, all eyes are now on Ondo State as it gears up for a significant election expected to be peaceful, transparent, and inclusive.
