INEC Begins Distribution Of Materials Ahead Of Ondo Bye-Election For Jimoh Ibrahim’s Seat
INEC distributes sensitive materials for Ondo South bye-election to fill Jimoh Ibrahim’s Senate seat as 673,446 voters prepare.
INEC distributes sensitive materials for Ondo South bye-election to fill Jimoh Ibrahim’s Senate seat as 673,446 voters prepare.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials for the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election.
The exercise, held at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Akure, was witnessed by security agencies, political party representatives and electoral officials, who monitored the deployment of ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive materials to designated locations across the senatorial district.
The bye-election, scheduled for June 20, is being conducted to fill the vacant seat left by former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Mr. Mutiu Agboke, said the commission had concluded all logistical arrangements necessary for the successful conduct of the election.
According to him, non-sensitive materials had already been distributed, while the deployment of sensitive materials was being carried out under the watch of party agents and security personnel to guarantee transparency.
Agboke also disclosed that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices designated for the election had been tested and certified, with additional backup machines provided to address any unforeseen technical challenges.
He stated that 673,446 registered voters are expected to participate in the bye-election across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas spread across Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
The REC further noted that only four political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Boot Party (BP)—would be participating in the election.
While assuring residents of a credible electoral process, Agboke urged all stakeholders to embrace transparency and peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
“Nothing will determine the winner of any election in Ondo State other than the votes of the people,” he said.
“If you are asking INEC about transparency, also ask the stakeholders, particularly political parties, to be transparent. If you bring money to buy votes, you are not transparent. If you unleash violence, harass election officials or create problems in the electoral space, you are not transparent.”
He added, “For INEC, we have trained our staff. They are going to work with the best practices and standards we have provided. They will ensure that people’s votes count.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ondo State, Mr. Alex Adeniyi, expressed confidence in INEC’s preparedness, saying the commission under Agboke’s leadership had demonstrated commitment to conducting a credible and transparent election.
Representatives of participating political parties, however, urged the electoral body to ensure the timely delivery of election materials on polling day to avoid unnecessary delays.
The Ondo State Chairman of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Felix Oloro, and the representative of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Olaoluwa Adesanya, both affirmed their parties’ readiness for the bye-election and pledged to participate fully in the exercise.
