Electoral body says ‘we’re set’

Police to draft in 22,239 personnel

By Jubril Bada and Adedotun Ajayi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured stakeholders that it will ensure a smooth and credible voting process during the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

National chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while outlining the commission’s preparations at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, said 22,000 officials would be deployed for the exercise.

Yakubu confirmed that all machines required for the election, specifically configured for voter accreditation and result uploads, are in place, distinct from those previously used in mock exercises and training.

 According to Yakubu, 111 domestic and international organisations will deploy 3,554 observers across the state to monitor the election.

He said the Commission has also accredited over 100 media organisations, including radio, television, newspaper, and online outlets, with nearly 700 journalists — the highest figure recorded for any off-cycle governorship election in Nigeria.

The INEC chairman added that thousands of party agents will also be deployed, representing candidates and political parties at polling units and collation centres across the State.

He said a total of 2,053,061 voters are expected to participate in the election.

Yakubu assured stakeholders that the necessary accreditation cards for all involved are ready.

The state office, he said, will soon begin distributing accreditation tags, as well as election duty vehicle stickers.

To further ease the voting process, Yakubu highlighted INEC’s plans for land and maritime transport for personnel and materials, with delivery of sensitive election materials expected by Tuesday.

He reiterated the Commission’s readiness for the exercise, noting that BVAS machines will be deployed at polling units for voter accreditation and the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

The INEC boss said, “We are deploying enough technical support staff to address any challenges that may occur. We have made arrangements for land and maritime transportation of personnel and materials. We have arranged for the delivery of sensitive materials for the election to arrive as early as Tuesday next week.

“We have warned our staff that there will be consequences for dereliction of duty in any way or form.”

Yakubu, who urged political parties to restrain their supporters from any disruptive conduct, highlighted the importance of peaceful and orderly participation throughout the election.

Meanwhile, the Supervising National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Ondo, Osun, and Ogun States, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, praised Yakubu’s dedicated efforts to enhance the election process.

He cited significant advancements in logistics, personnel training, voter education, and technology deployment, all aimed at reinforcing the transparency and credibility of the election.

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, called on stakeholders to value their collective roles in delivering an election that truly reflects the people’s will.

On security measures, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 17, AIG Abiodun Asabi, announced that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 22,239 officers, supplemented by additional personnel from other security agencies.

Egbetokun appealed to candidates and their supporters to act in accordance with democratic standards, reminding them of the importance of peaceful conduct over any “do-or-die” approach.

Also addressing the gathering, Ondo State Governor and APC candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stressed that while the election will come and go, the state remains.

He urged all candidates to uphold the peace that currently defines the state, underscoring the need for unity and stability beyond the election period.

The governor also extended his gratitude to stakeholders for their commitment to maintaining peace.

Representing the PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, the party’s former Deputy National Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, called on INEC to remain committed to deploying technology to ensure a credible election.

The event witnessed the presence of the State Commissioner of Police, Peter Abayomi, traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations, candidates of political parties, and their respective state chairmen, among others.