The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has declared its readiness for the forthcoming bye-election in the Ondo South Senatorial District.
The commission assured residents and stakeholders of adequate preparation ahead of the exercise scheduled for June 20.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, disclosed this while speaking on preparations for the election following his assumption of office as the 21st REC in Ondo State.
The Senate seat became vacant after former senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s Permanent representative to the United Nations in March 2026.
Speaking on INEC’s level of preparedness, Agboke said the commission’s task had become easier because the exercise would be conducted only within the six councils in Ondo South, unlike a statewide election involving all 18 local government areas.
“For the bye-election in Ondo South, INEC is focusing on that area alone now. It means that our task has been simplified because instead of considering 18 local governments, we are focusing on the six local governments in the senatorial district,” he said.
He explained that the commission had begun consultations with critical stakeholders, especially in riverine communities where transportation and security would play major roles during the election.
“Part of the arrangement we are making is that we are going to engage stakeholders in the area of transportation, particularly the boat owners.
“We are also going to engage the Navy and naval officers who will be in charge of security, because it the water side of the state, We will engage all political stakeholders in the six local governments and encourage them to do the right thing,” he stated.
According to him, INEC is also intensifying voter education and sensitisation to ensure peaceful conduct during the election.
“We also educate the masses, the electorate in that axis, on the need for them to conduct themselves well so that their votes will determine whoever emerges victorious at the end of the day.
“The arrangement is a continuous one. Right now, we are carrying out voter education and raising the consciousness of the people that the election is coming up on June 20,” Agboke added.
On the forthcoming party primaries, the REC assured that INEC officials would monitor the exercises conducted by political parties in line with electoral guidelines.
“In fact, as I’m talking to you, a letter has just been forwarded to us by a political party officially requesting the presence of our men, and arrangements are already ongoing.
“We are going to deploy our officials to any venue decided by political parties, and the events that transpire there shall be properly reported to the headquarters,” he said.