INEC Confirms Readiness for Edo State Guber Election with Full Funding and Preparations

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its preparedness for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, following the receipt of the necessary funds.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, made this announcement during an inspection tour of the Commission’s facilities in Benin City, aimed at assessing the readiness of the Commission’s infrastructure and logistics ahead of the election.

Professor Yakubu emphasised that INEC had received and disbursed the entire budget for the conduct of the election to the Edo State office and its 18 local government offices well in advance, ensuring that financial constraints would not impede the electoral process.

He noted that the funds were allocated before the recent increase in fuel prices, allowing the Commission to plan and execute its logistical arrangements without the added burden of unforeseen costs.

The INEC Chairman highlighted that his visit to Edo State was part of a routine pre-election activity aimed at gauging the preparedness of the Commission’s local structures.

During the visit, Professor Yakubu and his team inspected facilities in three local government areas—Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba/Okha—to assess the availability of non-sensitive materials and the overall readiness for the election.

“This visit is a readiness assessment exercise. We have inspected facilities and reviewed preparations in several local government areas to ensure that we are fully prepared for the election,” said Yakubu.

“Our inspections included checking the receipt of necessary materials, the organisation of local offices, and the deployment of technologies that will be used during the election.”

He also observed mock accreditation exercises at two designated centres to test the functionality and integrity of INEC’s systems, including voter accreditation processes and the digital upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal.

The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the results of these tests, stating that they demonstrated the effectiveness of the Commission’s technology and procedures in ensuring a smooth electoral process.

Professor Yakubu reassured the people of Edo State of INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.

He underscored the Commission’s neutrality, emphasising that INEC, as an impartial electoral body, does not support any candidate or political party.

“Our role as the electoral umpire is to provide a level playing field for all participants.

INEC does not have a candidate in this election; our sole objective is to facilitate a transparent and credible process that allows the electorate to freely choose their next governor,” Yakubu affirmed.

“The responsibility of electing the next governor of Edo State lies entirely with the voters, and we are here to ensure that their choice is respected and upheld.”

He appealed to all registered voters in Edo State to participate actively in the election by coming out to vote for the candidate of their choice.

He also assured the electorate that INEC would protect the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the outcomes as decided by the voters.

In his address, Professor Yakubu called on all eligible voters to exercise their democratic right, emphasising the importance of voter turnout in shaping the future leadership of the state.

He also highlighted that INEC is working closely with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment on election day, thereby enabling voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.

He stated, “We are committed to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the election.

We have been working in collaboration with security agencies to ensure that the safety of voters, election officials, and materials is guaranteed throughout the electoral process.”

Yakubu’s assurances come amidst a broader effort by INEC to enhance transparency and build public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The introduction of technological innovations such as the IREV portal and the electronic transmission of results are part of the Commission’s ongoing initiatives to modernise the electoral process and reduce the potential for electoral malpractice.

As Edo State gears up for its governorship election, INEC’s preparations appear well on track, with all necessary resources and logistics in place to facilitate a smooth and credible election.

Professor Yakubu’s comprehensive inspection and the Commission’s proactive measures underscore a commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the electoral outcomes.

With assurances of neutrality and a robust plan for election day, INEC is set to provide Edo voters with the opportunity to freely and fairly determine their next leader.

The success of this election will not only impact the immediate political landscape of Edo State but will also serve as a benchmark for future off-cycle elections across Nigeria.