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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - As Ondo State gears up for its governorship election on Saturday, November 16, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and key stakeholders have assured residents of a transparent and hitch-free process. Speaking during a press briefing at INEC’s headquarters in Akure, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, outlined the commission’s preparations and reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible election.
The commission has deployed 4,002 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) across all polling units in the state. REC Babalola confirmed that all devices are functioning optimally, and ad-hoc staff, including Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), Presiding Officers, and Assistant Presiding Officers, have been adequately trained and dispatched to their respective locations.
INEC has also implemented a robust voter education campaign, leveraging various channels to educate residents on the electoral process. Babalola urged all registered voters to exercise their franchise, promising a transparent and inclusive election. To enhance credibility, results from the BVAS will be uploaded in real-time to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). For areas with network challenges, officials are prepared to relocate to upload results promptly.
Over 30,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of voters and electoral materials. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are also collaborating with INEC to combat vote buying and other electoral malpractices.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed the mobilization of 6,233 corps members as ad-hoc personnel for the election across all 18 local government areas of the state. Representing the NYSC Director General, Mr. Omotade Ayodele Folorunsho emphasized the corps members' readiness following extensive training and sensitization sessions conducted in collaboration with INEC.
“We are fully prepared for this national assignment,” Mr. Folorunsho stated. “Our corps members have been trained on the Electoral Act and their roles in the process. They are disciplined, motivated, and ready to contribute to the success of the election.”
To ensure their safety, the NYSC has engaged with key security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Stakeholder meetings have reinforced security arrangements for the corps members’ deployment.
With INEC’s technical preparedness, robust security measures, and the enthusiastic participation of corps members, stakeholders have expressed confidence in the state’s ability to conduct a credible election. Previous successes in similar off-cycle elections further bolster expectations for a smooth and transparent process in Ondo State.
As the countdown to the polls continues, all eyes are on Ondo State to set a new benchmark for electoral integrity in Nigeria.
