By Our Reporter 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step towards ensuring a smooth and transparent governorship election in Ondo State by distributing sensitive materials to all 18 local government areas ahead of the Saturday’s poll.

Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, monitored the exercise at the Akure branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday and assured residents, political parties, and stakeholders of the commission’s readiness to conduct a free and fair election.

Babalola noted that the early distribution of materials demonstrates the commission’s preparedness and commitment to transparency.

According to her: “The exercise is progressing smoothly, with local governments like Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, and Irele already receiving their materials and loading vehicles.

“Other areas, such as Akoko North-East, North-West, Akoko South-West, South-East, Owo, and Ose, will follow suit.”

The REC disclosed that, to address logistical challenges, INEC has arranged for boats and gunboats from the Navy to transport personnel and materials to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that all wards and polling units receive necessary materials.

The commission appealed to political parties to eschew violence on election day.

In their separate comments, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetumehin, and the State Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Adesanya Olaoluwa, commended INEC for its transparency, confirming that all parties are ready to cooperate with the commission.

Representatives from participating political parties and security agencies, including the Police, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration, Customs, and DSS, were present at the exercise.