The Independent National Electoral Commission has conducted a mock accreditation exercise ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle election in Ondo state scheduled to be held on November 16th, 2024, to show its readiness for an effective and transparent electoral process in the state.

The mock accreditation exercise was carried out in designated polling units of the selected local governments in the state, including Akure South Local Government Area, Idanre Local Government, Ifedore Local Government, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo LGA, and Ondo East LGA, Odigbo Local governments, Okitipupa Local governments in the state.

The exercise was inspected by the chair of the electoral commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who went around the state to examine the procedure and to assess the readiness of the INEC offices, including the logistical arrangements for the election.

While moving around the state, Professor Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the mock accreditation exercise, reaffirming INEC’s dedication to delivering a credible election as he stated that the BVAS devices performed effectively.

Prof. Yakubu emphasised the importance of a smooth, credible electoral process and reiterated INEC’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness, assuring voters that the commission is working hard to ensure that all aspects of the election, from material distribution to security arrangements, are fully prepared to provide a smooth and fair voting experience for Ondo voters.

Speaking further on the last election, the INEC chairman accreditation machines performed well and the commission is ready to repeat the seamless process in the Ondo election. He also promised the electorates that the commission would ensure early and more accessible voting exercise during the poll.

He also appealed to the politicians to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election which is set to hold next Saturday. “In the last election, the machine performed optimally but we can not take that for granted.

“We will ensure that all the polling units open on time so that voters will not come and wait for INEC officials and materials.

“And we have tested the integrity of the machine, is not a matter of deploying early but also accredit early. We are doing our best as Electoral Commission and others should also do their best, particularly political parties and the candidates.

“I want to appeal to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to ensure that they maintain the peace that will enable us to deploy in a suitable time, concluding the processes in good time.

“And also, to announce the candidate people of Ondo State are choosing as their governor on Saturday,” he said.