Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun distributing sensitive election materials ahead of a by-election for the Ondo South Senatorial District scheduled for June 20, electoral officials said on Wednesday.
The exercise, conducted under the supervision of election officials, security agencies and political party representatives, involved the deployment of ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive materials to designated locations across the district.
The by-election is being held to fill the seat vacated by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim following his appointment as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during the distribution of materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria premises in Akure, Resident Electoral Commissioner Mutiu Agboke said preparations for the poll had been completed.
Agboke said non-sensitive materials had already been distributed, while sensitive materials were being deployed in the presence of party agents and security personnel to ensure transparency.
He added that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices earmarked for the election had been tested and certified, with backup machines available to address any technical issues.
According to INEC, 673,446 registered voters are expected to vote at 1,354 polling units across 66 registration areas in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.
Four political parties — the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Boot Party (BP) — are participating in the election.
Agboke urged political parties and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and transparent process.
“Nothing will determine the winner of any election in Ondo State other than the votes of the people,” he said.
He warned against vote-buying, violence and intimidation of election officials, saying INEC personnel had been trained to adhere to established electoral procedures and ensure that votes count.
Alex Adeniyi, chairman of the state’s Inter-Party Advisory Council, expressed confidence in INEC’s readiness to conduct a credible election.
Representatives of participating political parties also called for the timely delivery of election materials on polling day. Felix Oloro, chairman of the APM in the state, and Olaoluwa Adesanya, representing the APP, said their parties were prepared for Saturday’s vote.
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