By Jubril Bada

The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed satisfaction with the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in Ondo State ahead of the 16 November governorship election.

During his visit to various polling units as part of a mock accreditation exercise, Yakubu noted that the BVAS machines effectively captured voters’ faces without malfunctions.

The exercise covered several locations, including polling units in Akure, Idanre, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, and Ondo East.

Yakubu emphasised the importance of these tests to ensure the reliability of BVAS on election day, noting that while recent elections have shown the machines perform well, additional testing provides extra reassurance.

He highlighted that local government areas like Akure and Idanre are prepared for the election, awaiting only the arrival of sensitive materials.

The INEC chairman assured the public that INEC would ensure the timely opening of polling units to avoid delay for voters and confirmed the integrity of the BVAS machines, stressing the importance of early accreditation for a smooth election flow.

He also appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace for a smooth electoral process.

Voters who participated in the mock accreditation exercise, including Mr Isiaka Usman, Mrs Adebimpe Bamkole, Mr Jolayemi Jacob, and Mr Lanleyin Ayodeji, expressed satisfaction with the system and confidence in voting for their preferred candidates on election day.

Some of the polling units visited included Ward 4, Unit 41, Ijomu Obanla, Akure; Ward 5, Unit 18, Alagbaka Primary School, Akure; Ward 10, Unit 12, Ayetoro, Owena Idanre; Ward 10, Unit 1, Our Saviour Primary School, Ayetoro Owena; and the local offices of the commission in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Ondo East.Innovative strategies to tackle disasters, land disputes, Ekiti govt tasks board members