INEC Chairman to staff: We must account for every single vote in Ondo, as 1.4m voters prepare for governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has said that no fewer than 1,478,460 eligible voters would participate in the forthcoming October 10, governorship election in the state.
Dr Rufus Akeju, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, made this known on Thursday in Akure.
Akeju expressed confidence that the commission was fully ready and more than ever before determined to conduct a very credible and acceptable governorship election in Ondo State.
“As we speak, everything required statutorily had been put in place for the registered voters in the state to vote for candidates of their choice on Saturday.
“In addition, adequate security has been put in place by the commission in collaboration with security agencies through the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to secure the voters,
“There is also adequate security for election officials, accredited observers, accredited journalists, election materials, among others, during the election.
“Ondo State has 3,009 polling units, 203 registration areas in all 18 local government areas of the state.
“It has 1,822,346 registered voters while 1,478,460 of PVCs were distributed and 343,886 of PVCs remaining uncollected.
“The implication of the above is that only 1,478,460 voters that have collected their permanent voters’ cards are expected to come to the various voting points to exercise their franchise on Saturday,” he said.
He explained that the commission had deployed all the non-sensitive materials that would be used for the conduct of the election to all the INEC offices in the state.
Akeju said that the sensitive materials had also been deployed to all the 18 local government areas of the state.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has advised staff members of the commission participating in the Saturday election to  consolidate on INEC’s recent achievement by accounting for every single vote cast in the election.
He gave the advice in his message on the election.
 
Yakubu recalled that on the eve of the Edo State Governorship election, he appealed to the hardworking staff members of the Commission to rise to the occasion and deliver a free, fair and credible process in accordance with INEC established policy.
 
“Indeed, our staff members, assisted by the security agencies and other critical stakeholders, did not spare any effort in ensuring the successful conduct of the election.
 
“Clearly, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are pleased with the outcome and we are encouraged by their commendations.
 
“However, we cannot afford to rest on our oars.
 
“Another end-of-tenure Governorship election is upon us. There is now an even higher expectation on Ondo State.
 
“We must  consolidate on our recent achievement and account for every single vote cast on October 10, in a transparent manner which will ensure that only the choice of the electorate prevails.”
 
Yakubu urged all staff members to resist any temptation and be committed to the vision and mission of INEC in carrying out their duties during the election.
 
“I implore all of you to resist any form of temptation and let your individual actions be guided by the extant laws and good conscience.
 
“Always remember that any unethical action by one INEC official is capable of rubbing off on all of us.
 
“Remain vigilant, principled and committed to the mission and vision of the Commission,” Yakubu said.