As preparations gear up for the November 16 Ondo State Governorship Election, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed satisfaction with the state of readiness.
Yakubu who was speaking during his readiness assessment visit in Akure North and Akure South, Yakubu commended the Commission’s thorough arrangements ahead of the polls.
He described the efforts as “impressive” noting the advanced state of readiness with just ten (10) days to the election.
“We very rarely achieve this level of preparation so far ahead of an election,” The INEC Chairman stated. “We’ve thoroughly inspected kit bags, cross-checked essential materials, and confirmed that everything needed at this stage is in place.”
He clarified that while essential items are already in the state, sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets will arrive on Tuesday and scheduled inspections will follow on Wednesday.
Prof. Yakubu outlined a detailed schedule leading to Election Day, emphasizing transparency and accountability in handling election materials. The inspection of sensitive materials will involve key stakeholders, including candidates, party agents, observers, media and security agencies. Following the inspection, INEC will prioritize distribution to the farthest Local Government Areas to ensure timely delivery across all areas.
“We’ll commence movement to the Local Government Areas on Thursday, starting from the farthest and concluding with Akure South,” he added. On Friday, materials will be distributed to the wards and Registration Area Centers (RACs), ensuring that all polling units are fully prepared for activation on Saturday morning.
Reflecting on lessons learned from previous elections, the INEC Chairman acknowledged areas requiring improvements, especially in logistics and result management. “Every election is a learning curve for INEC,” he said, noting that the Commission has worked to address challenges raised by Nigerians. “Two things Nigerians have been asking of INEC improving logistics for prompt opening of polling units and enhancing result management transparency have been prioritized. I’ve been assured that you will see remarkable improvements in these processes.”
Prof. Yakubu also addressed the unique logistical challenges posed by riverine Local Government Areas, particularly Ese-Odo and Ilaje. Recognizing the need for boats to access certain polling units, he assured voters that INEC has improved its approach based on insights from previous elections. “We have learned from past experiences that sensitive materials will be wrapped in polythene for protection. This way, if there’s an incident on the water, materials will float and can be retrieved,” he noted.
On security, the INEC Chairman emphasized the importance of safeguarding both officials and security personnel particularly in challenging terrains. “In riverine areas, all officials will be equipped with life vests,” he affirmed, thereby underscoring INEC’s commitment to secure elections across Ondo State.
After the readiness assessment tour, the INEC Chairman held a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Ondo State to review and strengthen security strategies put in place to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the election.
As Election Day draws near, INEC’s assessment and confirmation of the level of preparedness in Ondo State serve as a testament to the Commission’s commitment to conducting a transparent, timely and secure electoral process.
