Early Security Preparations Crucial for Edo and Ondo Elections, Says INEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the importance of early security preparations for the upcoming two-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Yakubu highlighted the need to determine the number of personnel and other assets to be deployed to strategic locations early on, as this proactive approach led to the successful conduct of the last Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States in 2020.

“It is important to start security preparations very early. In particular, the number of personnel and other assets to be deployed to strategic locations should be determined and mobilised early enough,” he said.

The INEC Chairman commended the security agencies for their efforts during the last elections in Edo and Ondo States, noting that there were no security incidents, materials were delivered promptly, logistics were deployed smoothly, Polling Units opened on time, voters were attended to efficiently, and results were collated and announced transparently.

Yakubu urged all parties involved to ensure that the 2024 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States are an improvement on the success story of the last elections.

By focusing on early security preparations and maintaining a proactive approach, the electoral process can be further strengthened and the integrity of the elections can be upheld.