The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has said that the results of the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for next Saturday, could potentially be available on the same day.
According to Yakuku, the commission is committed to ensuring a swift and transparent electoral process, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the democratic system.
He said this in Akure, the state capital, during the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise ahead of the election.
Some of the areas monitored by the chairman and his team included various polling units in Akure South, Akure North, and the Idanre Local Government Areas of the state.
The INEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the equipment utilized for the exercise, stating that it demonstrated the commission’s proper readiness for the governorship poll scheduled for November 16.
The INEC chief explained that the mock accreditation exercise was to further test functionality of the system.
He said, “We can’t take readiness for granted. That’s why, as part of our preparations, we decided to conduct a mock accreditation exercise to further test the functionality of the machines.
“We are pleased with the results so far. Many voters were accredited using facial recognition, showing that our systems are working as intended.
“In Akure North and South, as well as in other areas we visited, electoral officers are prepared.
“Sensitive materials will arrive on Thursday (November 14), completing the logistical arrangements necessary for a successful election.
Yakubu appealed to other stakeholders in the state to cooperate with the INEC in order to have a smooth exercise, saying the commission on its part had fully made adequate preparation for the election.
“We will ensure that all the polling unit open on time so that voters will not come and wait for INEC officials and materials. We have tested the integrity of the machine, is not the matter of deploying early but also accredit early.”
He said that “We are doing our best as electoral commission and other should also do their best particularly political parties and the candidate
“I want to appeal to political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that they maintain the peace that will enable us to deploy in good time, concluding the processes in good time. And also to announce the candidate people of Ondo State are choosing as their governor on Saturday.”
