The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election scheduled for November 16. During his visit to INEC’s state headquarters in Akure on Monday, Yakubu highlighted that the commission has taken significant steps to address logistical and result management challenges observed in previous elections.
Reflecting on lessons learned from the recent Edo State Governorship Election and other past polls, Yakubu assured Ondo voters of improvements that will enhance the election process. “We have learned a lot of lessons not only from the last election but also from previous elections,” he stated. “The first challenge is logistics, ensuring polling units open on time. The second challenge is result management, and my assurance to voters in Ondo State is that they will see a marked improvement in both areas.”
### Assessing Readiness for the Ondo Poll
The INEC Chairman’s visit aimed to evaluate the state office’s preparedness for the election. He acknowledged positive reports from the Akure office but emphasized the importance of on-ground verification. “We are here to assess readiness. Our mission is to examine what the state office has accomplished and to reinforce any areas needing improvement,” he explained.
Yakubu also outlined plans to engage with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies. “We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and transparent election. We will also meet with our staff to assess our readiness,” he added.
### Mock Accreditation and Peace Accord Signing
In preparation for the election, Yakubu disclosed that a mock accreditation of voters would take place across 16 polling units in six local government areas within Ondo’s three senatorial zones. This exercise, scheduled for this week, aims to test and refine INEC’s accreditation processes.
The Chairman also announced that INEC would host a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, and on Friday, the National Peace Committee would organize a peace accord signing event. This accord is expected to foster a peaceful electoral environment by committing political parties and candidates to a code of conduct.
Yakubu’s visit to Ondo underscores INEC’s dedication to improving election logistics and result transparency, with a commitment to learn from past experiences. As the election day approaches, the commission aims to reinforce voter confidence and ensure a fair, credible process that reflects the will of the people.
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