ONDO ELECTION: INEC Reports Massive Voter Turnout with Over 64,000 PVCs Collected
Maryam Aminu
In a landmark update ahead of the Ondo State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the collection of 64,273 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) out of 89,777 available.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu made the disclosure during the Fourth Regular Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), at INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Yakubu expressed with delight that the notable surge in PVC collection, represented a 71.6% collection rate.
INEC Chairman emphasized the importance of this collection rate, which he attributed to the collaborative efforts between INEC and CSOs to mobilize voter participation across the state.
“The turnout we have witnessed so far is a testament to the dedicated efforts of all parties involved, particularly our Civil Society partners, who have played a crucial role in promoting voter awareness and encouraging citizens to take their place in shaping the future of Ondo State,” Yakubu stated.
Further emphasizing INEC’s readiness, Yakubu detailed the recent strides in enhancing observer and media accreditation, expanding voter education initiatives, and boosting the capacity of election officials through hands-on training, particularly for Polling Unit staff.
“As we approach the Ondo State governorship election, there will be further improvements in logistics to ensure the timely movement of personnel and materials to both land and riverine locations, enabling the prompt commencement of polls,” he added.
Yakubu also disclosed that a mock accreditation and result upload exercise to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) has been scheduled for November 6, 2024, across 12 Polling Units in six Local Government Areas within the state’s three senatorial districts.
This exercise aims to further test INEC’s technological systems ahead of Election Day.
He further disclosed that On November 8, 2024, the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GFCR), will oversee the signing of a Peace Accord among political parties and candidates, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to a fair and peaceful election process.
The INEC chairman also urged CSOs to submit their reports on the recent Edo State governorship election and continue to advocate for peaceful elections, especially as campaigns intensify.
He reassured stakeholders that no significant incidents of election-related violence have been reported in Ondo State but acknowledged some identified flashpoints where security agencies have been alerted.
Responding on behalf of CSOs, Mr. Jide Ojo, Executive Director of OJA Development Consult commended INEC’s efforts but challenged the commission to address issues of impunity within the electoral process.
Ojo voiced concerns about discrepancies in results uploaded on the IReV, including instances of canceled results and over-voting, calling for an administrative investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.
The INEC-CSOs collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening electoral integrity and promoting an informed, engaged electorate ahead of the high-stakes Ondo State governorship election.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 2.053 million registered voters will participate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State. 1.034 million males (50.36 per cent) and 1.019 million females (49.64 per cent) were registered. 726,944 (35.41 per cent) of the registered voters are youths, while 721,982 (35.17 per cent) are middle-aged.
This means that the figure will increase.
