As preparations intensify for the 16th November 2024 governorship election in Ondo state, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed satisfaction with the state of readiness.
During a week-long readiness assessment visit to Ondo state on Tuesday, 5th November 2024 Prof. Mahmood Yakubu inspected the Commission’s offices in the state and expressed delight on the preparations for the governorship election.
He described the efforts as “impressive” noting that the commission was at the advanced state of readiness 10 days head of the election.
“We very rarely achieve this level of preparation so far ahead of an election,” The INEC Chairman stated. “We’ve thoroughly inspected kit bags, cross-checked essential materials, and confirmed that everything needed at this stage is in place.”
He clarified that while essential items are already in the state, sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets will arrive on Tuesday and scheduled inspections will follow on Wednesday.
Prof Yakubu outlined a detailed activities that would lead to the election, emphasising transparency and accountability in handling election materials.
“The inspection of sensitive materials will involve key stakeholders, including candidates, party agents, observers, media and security agencies. Following the inspection, INEC will prioritise distribution to the farthest local government areas to ensure timely delivery across all areas.
“We’ll commence movement of materials to the Local Government Areas on Thursday, starting from the farthest and concluding with Akure South,” he added.
“On Friday, materials will be distributed to the wards and Registration Area Centers (RACs), ensuring that all polling units are fully prepared for activation on Saturday morning”.
Reflecting on lessons learned from previous elections, the INEC Chairman acknowledged areas requiring improvements, especially, in logistics and result management.
“Every election is a learning curve for INEC,” he said, noting that the Commission had worked to address challenges raised by Nigerians.
“Two things Nigerians have been asking of INEC—improving logistics for prompt opening of polling units and enhancing result management transparency—have been prioritised. I’ve been assured that you will see remarkable improvements in these processes.”
Prof. Yakubu also addressed the unique logistical challenges posed by riverine local government areas, particularly, Ese-Odo and Ilaje.
Recognising the need for boats to access certain polling units, he assured voters that INEC had improved its approach based on insights from previous elections.
“We have learned from past experiences that 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 noted.
On security, the INEC Chairman emphasised 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, thereby underscoring INEC’s commitment to secure elections across Ondo state.
