INEC Chairman, Prof Yakubu, assures readiness for Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi gubernatorial elections

As the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States draw near, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Yakubu Mahmoud, provides a fresh update on the commission’s preparedness.

With 5,169,692 Nigerians holding Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) set to participate, the INEC boss emphasizes that these elections mark a historic occasion, being the first time three states across different geopolitical zones (North Central, South East, and South-South) hold elections simultaneously.

Prof Yakubu urges both regular and ad hoc INEC officials to exhibit patriotism and professionalism, underscoring that the Commission remains impartial and has no candidate in the election.

“All sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections have been delivered,” he states. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is configured for deployment to polling units, serving as the sole means for voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication.

Polling unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, and officials have undergone training. Transportation arrangements, including land and maritime options, are in place to ensure prompt commencement of voting.

To support the process, two National Commissioners, nine Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) will be deployed to each state. They will be distributed across the senatorial zones.

Prof Yakubu emphasizes the multi-stakeholder responsibility of elections and acknowledges lessons learned from recent polls. He reiterates INEC’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections but emphasizes that the commission cannot accomplish this alone.

Assurances from security agencies about a secure environment for electoral activities have been received. Political parties and candidates have endorsed a peace accord under the National Peace Committee (NPC). The chairman calls for maintaining peace and conscientiously fulfilling respective roles to consolidate democracy.