- INEC warns election officials of sanctions for compromising the electoral process, emphasizing commitment to a fair Ondo State governorship election
- The commission aims for transparency, with over 3,500 observers monitoring the election and the use of advanced voting technology
As the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16 approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that any officials found compromising the election process will face sanctions.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, announced this at a stakeholders’ forum on Thursday in Akure, Ondo’s state capital.
The forum, attended by leaders and candidates from various political parties, provided a platform for INEC to outline its preparations and commitment to a fair electoral process.
Mahmood assured attendees that the commission has implemented measures to maintain the integrity of the election and has held multiple meetings with key national, state, and local stakeholders.
Mahmood stated, “We have warned our staff that there will be consequences for any dereliction of duty. I will address the staff, including Electoral Officers from the 18 Local Government Areas, to reiterate this.”
He highlighted that election integrity requires the combined efforts of INEC and all stakeholders involved. INEC has publicly disclosed detailed information on collected and uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for each of the 3,933 polling units in Ondo State, emphasizing transparency.
The commission expects a voter turnout of 2,053,061 registered voters. Additionally, 111 organizations—both domestic and international—alongside 3,554 observers and over 100 media outlets, will monitor the election process.
INEC has also confirmed using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to boost transparency and credibility in the election further.