INEC,REC assures credible election ahead of Ondo State Governorship vote

As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ,REC, has pledged to ensure a credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.

During a recent address in Akure, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola announced the addition of 58,708 new voters to the electoral register.

She highlighted that 3,132 voters have transferred their registrations into the state, while 123 have moved out.

Babalola reported that over 2,053,061 individuals are set to participate in the election, with demographics showing 1,034,006 male voters, 1,019,055 female voters, 726,944 youths, and 1,782 persons with disabilities.

She also noted that three political parties currently lack agents at all polling and collation levels.

The REC emphasized that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the Continuous Voter Registration exercise would begin soon.

She urged all registered voters who have not yet collected their PVCs to do so, with efforts underway to simplify the process and establish collection centers across local government areas.

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Babalola also mentioned the ongoing training for INEC staff and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who will serve as poll officials.

Extensive voter education campaigns are being conducted to combat voter apathy.

A key feature of the election will be the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which will be deployed at all 3,933 polling units in the state.

On security measures, Babalola stated that INEC is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies to ensure a secure election environment, with personnel stationed at polling units and collation centers to deter any electoral misconduct or violence.