The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started distributing sensitive electoral materials across Ondo State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024. The distribution commenced at 1:30 pm on Thursday, with materials being moved from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Akure to all 18 local government areas under security escort.
INEC ensured transparency by having party agents, observers, and media representatives accompany the materials. Earlier on Thursday, Supervising National Commissioner Prof. Kunle Ajayi and Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola countersigned the Ward and Local Government Area Collation Result Sheets at the CBN in Akure, reassuring stakeholders of the process’s transparency.
The materials were distributed simultaneously to all local governments, with special arrangements made for areas with difficult terrain. For instance, boats will be used to transport materials to Ilaje and Ese-Odo, while the Navy provides gunboat support for security.
Ade Adetumehin, Chairman of APC in Ondo State, and Adesanya Olaoluwa, State Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), commended INEC for its transparency in the exercise. Representatives from participating political parties and security agencies, including the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Customs, and DSS, were present during the distribution.
With the distribution of sensitive materials underway, Ondo State is one step closer to conducting a free and fair governorship election.
