Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized the necessity for early security arrangements for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
Speaking at the inaugural quarterly meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security, Prof Yakubu commended the security agencies for their pivotal role during the 2020 governorship elections in both states, attributing the success to their early planning.
During the meeting, tribute was paid to the Nigerian Army personnel who tragically lost their lives while on a peace mission in the Okuama community of Delta State.
Prof Yakubu underscored the importance of commencing security preparations well in advance, urging for the determination and mobilization of adequate personnel and assets to strategic locations at the earliest opportunity.
He cited the proactive approach adopted during the 2020 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, which resulted in the absence of security incidents, timely delivery of materials, smooth logistics deployment, punctual opening of polling units, efficient voter management, and transparent collation and announcement of results.
The INEC Chairman called for a replication of the successful conduct of previous governorship elections in the aforementioned states, with a collective aim to enhance the electoral process in the upcoming 2024 governorship elections.
He emphasised the necessity for collaboration between INEC and security agencies at both national and state levels to ensure a secure environment conducive to the successful conduct of elections.
Prof. Yakubu reminded political parties participating in the Edo governorship elections of the impending closure of the nomination portal, urging those yet to submit the names and particulars of their candidates to do so promptly.
Highlighting the electoral calendar for the year, Prof. Yakubu reiterated the dates for the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, scheduled for September 21, 2024, and November 16, 2024, respectively. He provided insights into the demographic details of both states and emphasised the need for early preparations for security deployment, particularly in riverine areas.
While political parties in Edo State have commenced the process of uploading the list and personal particulars of their candidates to the dedicated web portal, those in Ondo State are set to commence their primaries in the coming weeks.
Yakubu noted the significant interest from political parties in participating in the Ondo State election, with 17 out of 19 parties indicating their intent.
With the clock ticking towards these critical electoral events, stakeholders are urged to collaborate closely to ensure the integrity and success of the electoral process in Edo and Ondo states.
