The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, has appealed to media owners to assist it in mobilising the electorates and other stakeholders in the State.
The Commissioner urged them to be very active in the forthcoming November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.
She made this appeal on Monday during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure.
Mrs. Babalola, accompanied by INEC officials, said the commission views media professionals as critical stakeholders in any electoral process, hence her visit to the union leadership to consolidate and project further various preparations of INEC at conducting credible and acceptable election in the state.
The REC who restated the commission’s commitment to a free and fair election, noted that the high turnout during the voters’ registration exercise demonstrated the electorate’s eagerness to participate in the governorship election.
“Every vote will count, and we will ensure that everyone’s vote is counted. Don’t lose faith in the election process,” she said.
She assured that polling units would open on time and that election materials would be delivered to all 3,993 polling units across 203 registration areas in the state. She also highlighted INEC’s efforts to work with security agencies to minimise violence and ensure a smooth election process.
She confirmed that the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and the result viewing portal (IREV) would be deployed to enhance transparency and efficiency during the election.
“We are confident that with IREV and BVAS, votes will count. The people of Ondo State should believe in our commitment to delivering a high-quality election,” she added
In a remark, the Ondo State Chairman of NUJ, Prince Leke Adegbite expressed the willingness of his colleagues and media organisations to sustain their support for INEC and other stakeholders to deliver free, fair and peaceful governorship election in Ondo state.
Adegbite encouraged INEC to ensure free flow of information before, during and after the November 16 election, while the commission should ensure credible media Accreditation and Training for the polls.
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