The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its readiness for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, urging political parties and candidates to ensure a peaceful election process.
Yakubu stated that INEC has completed 11 out of the 13 activities in the election timetable, with only the end of political campaigns and the election itself remaining. He also provided updates on voter registration, revealing that Edo State now has 2,629,025 registered voters, with 184,438 new and transferred Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) issued in the recent voter registration exercise.
Additionally, INEC has accredited 134 observer groups, including 124 domestic and 10 international organizations, and over 700 journalists from 114 media outlets will cover the election. Yakubu reassured stakeholders that INEC is ready for the election and committed to ensuring a free and fair process.
The police have also announced plans to deploy 35,000 personnel to ensure security during the election. With INEC’s preparations and security measures in place, the stage is set for a peaceful and credible election in Edo State.
