We’ve learnt our lessons from Edo election, INEC says ahead of Ondo guber poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday vowed to use the Ondo State governorship election to correct the glitches experienced in previous elections, especially in Edo.

“We have learnt a lot of lessons not only from the last election but also previous elections,” said Mahmood Yakubu, the national chairman of INEC, during a visit to Ondo to assess the commission’s readiness for the November 16 gubernatorial election.

Mr Yakubu, who identified major problems of the early opening of the polling units and the collation of results as challenges for the commission, explained that the electoral body was ready to improve.

“Basically, there are two challenges: the first one is logistics for the election, so polling units open promptly on election day. The second one is result management, and my assurance to voters in Ondo State is that they are going to see fast improvement in these two processes,” he said.

He assured the electorate of the early arrival of election materials and that the results would be adequately managed.

Mr Yakubu said he also visited Ondo to meet with stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.

The INEC chairman said he would witness the mock accreditation of voters in the six selected polling units, two in each senatorial district, on Wednesday.

“One of the activities we are also going to observe is the mock accreditation of voters, which will take place in 16 polling units across six local government areas in the three senatorial zones of the state.

“In addition to other activities, we are also going to meet with the stakeholders on Thursday, and the following day, the National Peace Committee will also invite all the stakeholders for the signing of the National Peace Accord,” Mr Yakubu stated.