Professor Mahmood Yakubu, National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is currently on a three-day visit to Edo State to evaluate preparations for the upcoming September 21 governorship off-cycle election. During his visit, he inspected the storage facilities of four Local Government Areas (LGAs) to review the non-sensitive materials intended to ensure a smooth, free, and credible election.
Professor Yakubu’s visit began at the INEC office in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, where he was guided through the storage facility by the Commission’s State Electoral Officer, Mr. James Gamble. Following this, he proceeded to Egor LGA, where he was shown the election materials by Electoral Officer Mr. Boma Bamson.
Professor Yakubu expressed his confidence in the preparations, stating, “My assurance to everyone in Edo State is that, as a commission, INEC does not have a candidate in this election. The choice of the next governor is solely in the hands of the voters. We assure all registered voters that they should come out and vote for their preferred party and candidate, and we will uphold the integrity of the process.”
He noted satisfaction with the preparations at the local government offices he visited, including Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okha, as well as the mock exercise centers. However, he acknowledged that some logistical issues still need to be addressed.
Yakubu explained that his ongoing meetings with Electoral Officers across the 18 LGAs are designed to identify and resolve any remaining issues before the election. He emphasized that despite minor logistical challenges, he is confident that they will be resolved within the week. Additionally, he plans to meet with all EOs on Thursday, following the signing of the national peace accord, to gather and address any further concerns.
Other activities on Professor Yakubu’s itinerary include a meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the INEC State Office and the signing of the Peace Accord by all political parties participating in the election, under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Written by: Idu Sunita