By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has commenced the distribution of sensitive materials for the upcoming governorship election, ensuring tight security measures are in place.

The exercise, monitored by the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Toyin Babalola, took place at the Akure branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Babalola assured the people of Ondo State, political parties, and other stakeholders that INEC is prepared to conduct a transparent, free, and fair election.

Materials, including ballot papers and results sheets, were distributed at the CBN branch in Akure. Meanwhile, the distribution of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to the local governments was handled at the INEC headquarters, with security agencies, party representatives, the media, and observers in attendance.

Babalola emphasized that the early distribution reflects INEC’s readiness. “You can see the distribution exercise is proceeding smoothly. The farthest local governments have already begun moving. We expect the process to conclude shortly, with materials dispatched to all local governments by 1:30 PM,” she noted.

Materials for local government areas with difficult terrains, such as Ilaje and Ese-Odo, will be transported by boat, with the Nigerian Navy providing gunboats for added security. In areas with challenging land routes, INEC has arranged alternate transport to ensure materials reach every polling unit.

Babalola also appealed to political parties to maintain peace on election day, affirming that the distribution process has been designed to ensure all wards and polling units receive necessary materials.

State APC Chairman Ade Adetumehin, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman Adesanya Olaoluwa, and PDP representative Olaniyi Ogunbuji praised INEC’s transparency, confirming that materials were inspected and intact. They assured cooperation from all parties to support a smooth election process.