Kehinde Fajobi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 64,273 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected following its Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of next week’s governorship election in Ondo State.
INEC also revealed it would deploy 4,002 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the election, with an additional 812 BVAS machines reserved as backups.
Non-sensitive election materials have already been sorted and prepared for distribution to polling units.
Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Babalola Oluwatoyin, shared these details during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, attended by Civil Society Organisations, security agencies, and political parties.
She noted that all Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the 18 local government areas have been set up, with adequate provisions for the comfort of the Ad-hoc staff camping at the centres ahead of the election.
“Achieving a credible, free, fair, and inclusive election is only possible through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders,” Mrs. Oluwatoyin stated.
National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mamoud Yakubu, clarified that BVAS machines used for mock accreditation and training would not be used during the election.
He also warned INEC officials of severe consequences for any failure to perform their duties effectively.
“Let me reassure stakeholders that INEC is ready for the election. We are deploying the BVAS machines for voter accreditation at polling units and for the upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal,” Prof. Yakubu said.
He further explained that INEC had successfully test-run its election technology, ensuring sufficient technical support staff to handle any potential issues.
Arrangements have been made for the transportation of personnel and materials, with sensitive election materials expected to arrive as early as Tuesday next week.
In his address, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbedokun announced the deployment of 22,239 policemen to Ondo State for the election.
He urged stakeholders to approach the election with an open and positive mindset and assured that the police would ensure a smooth and secure election process.