INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for Ondo South by-election
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials ahead of Saturday’s Ondo South Senatorial District by-election, expressing readiness to conduct a credible and transparent poll.
The distribution exercise took place on Wednesday at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Akure and was monitored by electoral officials, security personnel and representatives of participating political parties.
Sensitive materials distributed included ballot papers, result sheets and other documents required for the conduct of the election.
The by-election is being held to fill the vacant Ondo South Senatorial seat following the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, said the commission had completed all necessary logistical arrangements for the poll.
He explained that non-sensitive materials had already been deployed, while the distribution of sensitive materials was being carried out under the supervision of party agents and security operatives to guarantee transparency.
Agboke also disclosed that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices designated for the election had been tested and certified functional, adding that backup machines were available to address any technical challenges.
According to him, 673,446 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas, while only the APC, APM, APP and BP will participate in the contest. He urged stakeholders to shun vote-buying and violence, while the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state, Alex Adeniyi, expressed confidence in INEC’s preparedness and called for the early deployment of election materials on polling day.
