“Trust Us, We Learned from Edo Election,” INEC Chair Yakubu Assures Ondo Voters

With Ondo’s gubernatorial election approaching, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured voters of significant improvements in election management, drawing on key lessons learned from the recent Edo election. Speaking in Akure on Monday, Yakubu emphasized the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) commitment to delivering a smooth, transparent, and credible election on November 16.

Yakubu highlighted two main challenges that emerged during the Edo election: logistical delays that hindered early opening of polling units and complexities in the collation of results. Addressing these issues, Yakubu stressed that Ondo voters would see marked improvements in both areas. “Through our recent experiences, especially the Edo election, we identified critical areas that needed fine-tuning. Voters in Ondo State can trust that these lessons will lead to faster polling processes and more efficient result management,” he said.

To strengthen preparations, Yakubu’s visit to Ondo State includes an on-ground readiness assessment. He and his team are set to meet with political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, security officials, and INEC staff to ensure all logistical elements are in place for a smooth election day.

“We’ve received positive updates from our state office here in Akure, but it’s essential to see these preparations firsthand. Our team is fully committed to ensuring an organized and peaceful election,” Yakubu noted.

In line with these assurances, INEC will conduct a mock accreditation exercise across six polling units on Wednesday, representing each of the state’s three senatorial districts. This exercise aims to test systems and address any potential issues before election day, providing Ondo voters with confidence in INEC’s readiness.

Yakubu further announced a series of meetings with stakeholders set for Thursday. Additionally, the National Peace Committee has invited political parties and key players to sign a Peace Accord the following day, underscoring a shared commitment to peaceful campaigning and voting.

“We are here not only to oversee final preparations but also to meet with stakeholders across Ondo. From logistics to on-the-ground coordination, everything is geared towards a free, fair, and credible election,” Yakubu stated.