The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring robust security for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. This pledge was emphasized during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, held at INEC’s conference room in Abuja.
In his opening remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the significance of this meeting. He reminded the gathering that the first and second quarterly meetings for the year were held on March 19 and May 13, respectively, with the previous session focusing primarily on the Edo and Ondo State elections. This meeting, Yakubu noted, would provide updates on recent bye-elections since the last consultation.
As the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, approaches, Prof. Yakubu reported that preparations are well underway. Despite recent setbacks due to severe flooding that damaged INEC’s headquarters in Benin City, the commission has addressed these issues. Infrastructure repairs are complete, vehicles have been fixed, and additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been delivered for training and contingency support. The final list of candidates, which includes an amended list following a recent court order, is now available on INEC’s website.
Regarding voter registration, the final register for the 2024 governorship elections in both Edo and Ondo States is nearing completion. The Commission will publish the final figures of new voters, including their distribution by gender, age, occupation, and disability, later this week. Timetables for the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) will also be released soon.
Prof. Yakubu stressed the importance of political parties submitting the details of their polling agents by the deadline. As of July 28, 2024, 14 parties had uploaded information for 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents. However, three parties had not yet uploaded any polling agents, and five had not submitted information for collation centers. The deadline for submissions is July 30, 2024. Parties were urged to comply promptly to allow INEC to prepare accreditation tags and ensure timely distribution.
With campaign activities intensifying, Prof. Yakubu reminded party leaders of their obligation to adhere to INEC’s regulations concerning rallies and processions. Hard copies of these guidelines were distributed at the meeting.
The chairman expressed concern over recent violence, particularly an incident in Edo State that resulted in the death of a security personnel. Despite the absence of further incidents, INEC plans to meet with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to address security measures for the upcoming elections. The safety of candidates, agents, supporters, and all election stakeholders remains a top priority.
Prof. Yakubu also addressed the issue of bye-elections, noting vacancies in four states. Two additional vacancies have been announced following the deaths of members representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in Oyo State and Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State. Dates for these bye-elections will be announced soon.
