Ahead of next week’s governorship election in Edo, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), has said it will protect the choice of the governor made by Edo electorates, saying that the responsibility to choose the next governor is entirely in the hands of the state voters.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Benin during an assessment visit to Edo State to ascertain the level of preparedness and observe the mock accreditation for the election.
While assuring the people of free, fair, and credible elections, Prof Mahmood said: “INEC is not a political party and therefore, doesn’t have a candidate in this election.
“The responsibility of choosing the next Edo State governor is entirely in the hands of Edo voters. Our assurance to all registered voters is to come out to vote for the party and the candidate of their choice.
“INEC will protect the integrity of the process and uphold the choice made by the electorate,” he said.
He said the commission has visited three local government areas to assess the readiness in terms of the level of preparation, the materials received so far, and how they are organising the election in the next 11 days.
He added: “We have visited two centers to observe a mock accreditation exercise intended to test run the integrity of our systems ahead of the election, both for voters accreditation as well as uploading of the results to IREC potter”
Prof. Mahmood said the commission is satisfied with the level of preparation by the local government offices in the three offices visited in Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba/Okha local governments, as well as the two centers of the mock exercise.
According to him, the commission has backup machines for the election in the case of faulty machines, noting that the machines used for the mock accreditation in 12 polling units across three senatorial districts in Edo State will not be used for the election.
“Also, the BVAS to be used for the election is different from the mock exercise. Similarly, the BVAS that are going to be used for training officials will not be deployed for the election.
“For this off-circle election, we have enough systems to go round. I want to assure you that the integrity of the system is protected,” he said.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that the chairman was accompanied by Dr Anugbum Onuoha, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Edo State, Prof Rhoda Gamus, the National INEC Commissioner, supervising Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States, Emmanuel Ogbodu, Administrative Secretary, INEC, Edo State among others.
Meanwhile, according to the programme of activities made available to journalists in Benin by INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who arrived Edo on Monday is expected to meet with stakeholders for the election on Wednesday before proceeding to the palace of the Oba of Benin for a courtesy visit to the monarch.
Political parties for the election are expected to sign a peace accord ahead of the outcome of the September 21, 2024 election on Thursday.
