Ondo 2024: INEC Chairman Inspects LGA Offices, Assures Voters Of Improved Logistics, Security

By Nathaniel Gana

As preparations intensify for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed satisfaction with the level of readiness of the Commission’s offices in Akure North and Akure South Local Government Areas.

Following an inspection of the offices on Tuesday 5th November 2024, as part of his week-long Readiness Assessment visit to Ondo state, Prof. Yakubu described the state’s preparations as “impressive,”  

He said: “We very rarely achieve this level of preparation ahead of an election. We’ve  inspected kit bags, cross-checked essential materials, and confirmed that everything needed at this stage is in place.”

He clarified that while essential items were already in the state, sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, would arrive on Tuesday, with inspections set for Wednesday.

He outlined a detailed schedule leading up to the election day, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the handling of materials. The inspection of sensitive materials will include stakeholders such as candidates, party agents, observers, the media, and security agencies.

Following the inspection, INEC will begin distributing materials to various local governments, with the farthest locations receiving priority. “We’ll commence movement to the Local Government Areas on Thursday, starting from the farthest and concluding with Akure South,” he added. “Materials will then be distributed to the wards and Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday, readying polling units for activation on Saturday morning.”

Reflecting on lessons learned from previous elections, the INEC Chairman acknowledged areas where improvements were needed, particularly in logistics and result management. He  said: “Every election is a learning curve for INEC. 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 of riverine local governments, specifically Ese-Odo and Ilaje. Given the reliance on boats to access certain polling units, he assured voters that INEC has refined its approach from previous elections. “We have learned from past experiences, and 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 said.

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, 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), Ondo State Chapter, to review security strategies put in place to ensure the election is held in a peaceful and secure environment.

As the election day approaches, INEC’s leadership and preparedness in Ondo State stand as a testament to the Commission’s dedication to conducting a transparent, timely, and safe electoral process.