“Ondo Election: INEC Reflects on Lessons Learned Amidst Recent Challenges”

Babatunji Wusu –

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured improvements in logistics and result management for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16. He made this commitment during an assessment visit to the INEC office in Akure on Monday.

Yakubu reported receiving positive feedback from the state office but emphasized the importance of a thorough readiness assessment. He noted that lessons learned from previous elections have highlighted two primary challenges: ensuring timely logistics so polling units open promptly on election day, and enhancing result management. “I assure voters in Ondo State that they will see significant improvements in these areas,” he stated.

During his visit, Yakubu met with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, security agencies, and INEC staff, to evaluate their preparedness. He announced plans for a mock accreditation of voters in 16 polling units across six local government areas, covering all three senatorial zones in the state.

Additionally, Yakubu mentioned that a meeting with stakeholders is scheduled for Thursday, followed by a signing of the National Peace Accord by all stakeholders, facilitated by the National Peace Committee.

He also inaugurated a new storage facility for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which will replace the containers used for the storage of smart card readers that were destroyed in a fire in 2020.