By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concludes the collation of results and prepares to declare the winner of the Ondo 2024 governorship election, its performance has become the subject of intense public scrutiny.
With millions of voters participating in the poll, the general consensus appears to highlight significant progress in electoral administration, albeit with areas still requiring improvement.
Praises for Technological Advancements
One of the most commendable aspects of INEC’s performance was its deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the enhanced use of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
These innovations have been hailed as game-changers by voters and observers alike.
Dr. Yemi Ajayi, a political analyst and member of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), stated, “The BVAS has greatly improved the credibility of the electoral process by ensuring accurate voter accreditation and reducing cases of overvoting. This is a clear step forward for Nigeria’s democracy.”
Similarly, Mrs. Toyin Oladipo, a voter in Akure, expressed satisfaction with the ability to monitor results online in real time.
“I was able to see the results from my polling unit uploaded on the IREV portal almost immediately after voting. It gave me confidence that my vote truly counted,” she said.
Improved Logistics
INEC also received plaudits for its logistical arrangements. Unlike previous elections, where delayed arrival of materials was a common complaint, reports indicate that most polling units in Ondo State commenced voting on time.
Professor Bolaji Akinwale, an observer with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), remarked, “The timely distribution of materials was impressive. This shows that INEC is learning from past mistakes and improving its processes.”
However, isolated cases of late arrivals were reported in some rural areas.
For instance, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, voting started hours behind schedule due to logistical hiccups.
Despite these setbacks, many observers noted that such incidents were fewer compared to previous elections.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite these improvements, the election was not without its challenges. Technical glitches with the BVAS were reported in a few polling units, leading to delays and frustration among voters.
Additionally, there were incidents of voter intimidation and disruptions in certain areas.
Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, while applauding the overall conduct of the election, called for a more robust contingency plan to address such issues.
“INEC must ensure that technical and security challenges are proactively addressed to prevent disenfranchisement,” he said in an interview.
Opposition party agents also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in some local governments, calling for a thorough review of the process.
However, no substantial evidence has been presented to challenge the credibility of the election as a whole.
INEC’s Neutrality in Question?
The Commission’s neutrality has been a topic of debate.
While many stakeholders believe INEC conducted the election impartially, some opposition figures have accused the electoral body of favouring certain candidates.
Mr. Dele Akinrinola, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed, “There were instances where INEC officials seemed compromised. We will be reviewing the evidence and addressing these concerns through the proper channels.”
In contrast, Mrs. Bimpe Adesina, a representative of a civil society organisation, noted, “INEC demonstrated a commitment to fairness in this election. While there were challenges, they do not overshadow the progress made.”
Public Sentiment and the Way Forward
Overall, the public’s reaction to INEC’s performance has been largely positive, with many acknowledging the significant strides made in electoral transparency and efficiency.
However, there is a unanimous call for the Commission to address the lingering issues that continue to undermine the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
As INEC prepares to announce the winner of the Ondo 2024 governorship election, its performance will likely serve as a benchmark for future polls.
Nigerians are hopeful that the lessons learned from this exercise will lead to an even more robust and reliable electoral system.
In the words of Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, the Chief Returning Officer for the election, “Elections are not perfect anywhere in the world, but what matters is the commitment to continuous improvement. INEC has shown that commitment, and we must encourage it to keep moving forward.”
