The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly reiterated its commitment to maintaining the use of digital processes in the upcoming Edo State Governorship Election, marking a significant departure from manual methods that were previously employed. In a detailed address delivered by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during an extraordinary meeting with political parties, the Commission underscored the importance of this transition in ensuring a credible, transparent, and efficient electoral process.
Speaking at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja on August 29, 2024, Prof. Yakubu emphasized that the shift to digital procedures has not only streamlined operations but has also significantly reduced costs and increased accountability across the board. He declared that there would be “no going back to the manual process,” a move that aligns with INEC’s broader commitment to enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
With just 22 days remaining until the Edo State Governorship Election, campaigns are in full swing, and INEC has successfully completed 10 out of the 13 scheduled activities for the election. Prof. Yakubu detailed the Commission’s extensive preparations, including the finalization of the voter register, which contains 2,629,025 registered voters, and the near completion of non-sensitive material deliveries. The installation and configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, which are integral to the election, have also been completed.
In addition to these preparations, voter education initiatives are ongoing, and the training of security personnel has been concluded. INEC is also finalizing arrangements with land and maritime transport unions for logistics on election day, ensuring that all necessary materials and personnel are in place.
A major focus of Prof. Yakubu’s address was the transition to digital processes, which has been a cornerstone of INEC’s strategy to improve electoral transparency. The Chairman highlighted that the digital submission of polling and collation agents’ details, accreditation of observers, and media organizations have simplified operations and improved compliance. He noted, however, that despite the training provided to political parties, there have been compliance issues regarding the quality of uploads, particularly the images of agents.
“Political parties must do the needful instead of constantly complaining of shortfalls in the number of accreditation tags supplied for your agents,” Prof. Yakubu stated. He further clarified that INEC would only produce tags for uploads that meet the Commission’s regulations and guidelines. Additionally, these tags will include a QR code for easy authentication and verification of agents at polling and collation centers, adding another layer of security to the process.
In a bid to foster peace and ensure a violence-free election, INEC, in consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has scheduled the signing of a Peace Accord on September 12, 2024, in Benin City. This early signing aims to allow the NPC to monitor compliance with the code of conduct during the remaining days of the campaign.
Prof. Yakubu also urged political parties to maintain decorum and civility in their campaigns, reminding them to submit the dates and locations of their major rallies and processions to INEC for better coordination.
