Ahead of the November 16, governorship election in Ondo state, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Wednesday monitored the commission’s mock accreditation exercise.
The mock accreditation exercise which took place across the three senatorial district of the state was a routine activity to further test functionality of the system.
Speaking shortly after the mock accreditation, Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the mock election, especially with the equipment used for the exercise.
According to him, it was an indication of proper readiness of the commission for the November 16 governorship poll and said that mock accreditation was intended to test run the integrity of the systems ahead of the election.
The INEC boss said the mock accreditation exercise was part of the commission’s preparation, said if the parties and their supporters maintain peace the results of the election may be ready on Saturday.
He, however, appealed to political parties, candidates, and supporters to maintain peace during the l governorship election in the State
He said, “We can’t take readiness for granted. That’s why, as part of our preparations, we decided to conduct a mock accreditation exercise to further test the functionality of the machines.
“We are pleased with the results so far. Many voters were accredited using facial recognition, showing that our systems are working as intended.
“In Akure North and South, as well as in other areas we visited, electoral officers are prepared. Sensitive materials will arrive on Thursday (November 14), completing the logistical arrangements necessary for a successful election,”
“We will ensure that all the polling unit open on time so that voters will not come and wait for INEC officials and materials.
“We have tested the integrity of the machine, is not the matter of deploying early but also accredit early.
“We are doing our best as electoral commission and other should also do their best particularly political parties and the candidate.
“I want to appeal to political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that they maintain the peace that will enable us to deploy in good time, concluding the processes in good time.
“And also to announce the candidate people of Ondo State are choosing as their governor on Saturday.”
Yakubu appealed to other stakeholders in the state to cooperate with the INEC in order to have a smooth exercise, saying the commission on its part had fully made adequate preparation for the election.
Speaking, Adebimpe Bankole, who participated in the exercise, was accredited at Alagbaka Primary School, Akure in ward 5, unit 18 said that INEC deserved 80 per cent credit for the mock exercise.
Bankole said; “I am satisfied with the process because I didn’t wasted any time before I could do my accreditation. I would have given them 100 per cent but I can’t rather I will give them 80 per cent because they have done well.
“By God grace I will come out on Saturday, Nov. 16 for the election proper to cast my vote.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
