…as INEC distributes sensitive materials amid tight security

* APC, IPAC, PDP confirm materials intact, hail electoral body

By Jubril Bada

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday distributed sensitive election materials to all the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday November 16, 2024.

At the Central Bank of Nigeria’s branch in Akure, the state capital, INEC distributed ballot papers and result sheets, while the distribution of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the election to the various local governments took place at the INEC headquarters in Akure, in the presence of security agencies, representatives of political parties, the media, and observers.

Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs  Oluwatoyin  Babalola, while speaking with journalists during the distribution of the sensitive materials, described the process as smooth and without hindrance.

She attributed the simultaneous distribution to effective logistics in place, noting that arrangements had been made for challenging terrains. She explained that gunboats provided by the Nigerian Navy would secure the movement of materials across difficult water routes, while suitable means of transport had been arranged for land routes.

Also commenting on the preparations for Saturday’s poll, the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Olaoluwa  Adesanya, expressed satisfaction with the electoral commission’s readiness for the exercise.

On his part, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Ade Adetimehin, praised INEC as an unbiased umpire ensuring a credible distribution process.

He noted that the APC had campaigned across all 3,933 polling units, 203 wards, and 18 local governments of the state, successfully engaging voters on the need to support the ruling party.

Similarly, the representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Olaniyi Ogunbuji, confirmed that the materials were intact upon inspection. He highlighted that the distribution was well-organised, with agents from all political parties present to verify the materials