Ahead of Saturday,October 10,Governorship election in Ondo State,the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has reassured people of the state of a free,fair,credible and inclusive election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting which held at the Dome international culture and event centre in Akure on Monday.
Yakubu said all non sensitive materials have been delivered to all the 18local government areas of the state while all sensitive materials will be taken delivery of by CBN Akure Branch on Monday.
“We have delivered non-sensitive materials to all the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State. We warned our officials (ad hoc and regular staff) to be professional and non-partisan in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities. Voter education and sensitisation is ongoing. We have made arrangements for the movement of personnel and materials to electoral locations in all 3,009 polling units and 203 electoral wards across the State. This afternoon, the Central Bank will deliver all sensitive materials for the election to its Akure branch. “
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The INEC Boss said Smart card Readers have been moved from Oyo State to replace the once that were lost in the fire incident last month and have been configured ahead of the election.
While noting that all is set for Saturday’s election ,Yakubu assured voters that every vote will count and only the choice made by the people will determine the outcome of the election.
“Our commitment is to ensure that the choice of who becomes the next Governor of Ondo State is entirely in the hands of the voters . I want to assure political parties and candidates that we will remain focused on our processes and procedures. Let me reiterate to all stakeholders that the Commission will not take any action to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.”
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“The Commission has reviewed the last Governorship election in Edo State. We are determined to continue improving on our performance. For this reason, we identified 16 areas of improvement, including logistics, prompt response to Smart Card Reader glitches on Election Day, the menace of vote buying during elections and compliance with COVID-19 protocols. In response, we have engaged with land and maritime transport owners for forward and reverse logistics to and from land and riverine locations. We have engaged additional 104 Registration Area Technical Support (RATECHS) staff to respond rapidly to issues with Card Readers on Election Day.”
He however appealed to all Political Parties,candidates and their supporters for a peaceful conduct at the polls adding that votes will count.
