In preparation for next Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, candidates have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police to ensure that the election is not compromised by their supporters. At an INEC stakeholder meeting in Akure on Thursday, all 17 governorship candidates and their parties, along with security agencies, were in attendance. They pledged to ensure that their supporters acted responsibly both before and after the election. Additionally, they called on the electoral commission and the police to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

We’re fully prepared – Mahmood

Mahmood announced that the commission will “deploy BVAS machines for voter accreditation at polling units and for uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.” He also reminded employees that “there will be consequences for any form of dereliction of duty.” Regarding the electoral body’s preparedness, Yakubu stated that several electoral activities have been implemented, including voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). Additionally, he mentioned that “two days ago, we uploaded detailed information to our website about the number of collected and uncollected PVCs for each of the 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.”

He stated, “In the information booklet provided at this meeting, you will find details on the number and distribution of 2,053,061 registered voters categorized by Local Government Area, gender, age, occupation, and disability.

“You will also find a list of candidates, including names published by court order.” We conducted several discussions with stakeholders at the national, state, and local government levels, which included consultations with security authorities.

111 organisations, 700 journalists, 3,554 observers accredited

The Commission has accredited 111 organizations, both local and international, deploying a total of 3,554 observers for the elections.

“We have accredited numerous radio, television, newspaper, and online media organizations, deploying approximately 700 personnel, including 129 female journalists. This is the largest number of female journalists assigned for any off-cycle governorship elections in Nigeria.

Also, we have accredited hundreds of agents representing candidates and political parties at all polling and collation locations in the state. I would like to inform you that accreditation cards for all stakeholder categories are ready. Our State Office in Akure will soon begin distributing accreditation badges, including election duty car stickers.”

” In our interactions with security and law enforcement agencies, we stressed the importance of ensuring safety during the election. This includes protecting observers, the media, our officials (both permanent and temporary staff), service providers such as transporters, and above all, the citizens who will be voting.

“I am glad that the relevant agencies have provided us with the necessary assurances regarding security during the election. This includes ensuring unimpeded access for observers and the media to voting and collation locations. I would like to assure stakeholders that INEC is prepared for the election. We will be deploying the BVAS devices for voter accreditation at polling locations and for uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.”

“We have sufficient machines prepared for voter accreditation and result uploads, distinct from those used for mock accreditation and training. Additionally, we have an adequate number of technical support staff to address any potential issues. We have made arrangements for the transportation of personnel and materials by both land and sea. Crucial electoral materials are scheduled to be delivered as early as Tuesday next week.”

We will welcome political parties and other stakeholders to inspect the materials at the Central Bank here in Akure, as well as during the transit of sensitive goods to the local governments and ward centers.

We’ll improve on the success recorded in Edo – IGP.

Speaking at the meeting, IGP Egbetokun, who was represented by AIG, Zone 17, Abiodun Asabi, stated that “the Nigeria Police, apart from additional manpower from sister agencies, will deploy a total of 22,239 officers for the exercise.”

He urged all stakeholders to avoid violence and refrain from a do-or-die mentality. He emphasized the importance of not resorting to thuggery and playing the game with a spirit of sportsmanship, allowing the loser to accept defeat gracefully and the winner to be magnanimous in victory. It is important to note that those who violate election laws may face serious legal consequences; even if they don’t succeed today, there is always hope for the future.

He assured, “As security agencies, we pledge to leave no stone unturned in ensuring a smooth and conducive environment for security before, during, and after the election process.”