The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that over 2 million registered voters will participate in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16. This was disclosed by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, during a press briefing in Akure, where she provided insights into the commission’s preparations for the crucial poll.
Of the 2.053 million registered voters, Babalola noted that 1.034 million, or 50.36%, are men, while 1.019 million, or 49.64%, are women. Youth engagement remains pivotal, with 726,944 voters, or 35.41%, falling within the youth demographic, while 721,982, or 35.17%, are middle-aged.
“The commission has concluded the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, leading to a marked increase in voter numbers across the state,” Babalola said, emphasising that the exercise had been inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all eligible citizens, especially marginalized groups such as women, young people, and persons with disabilities.
Following the registration drive, 58,708 new voters were added to the electoral roll. Additionally, 3,132 individuals transferred their registration into Ondo State, with 123 voters moving out.
INEC is now set to begin the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with Babalola urging eligible voters to collect their cards promptly. “We are committed to making the process simple,” she assured, noting that collection centres would be established in all Registration Areas and local government areas to ensure easier access.
Preparations for election day are also in full swing. Non-sensitive materials required for the election have been delivered to INEC offices across the state’s 18 local government areas, while the commission has received sufficient quantities of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices. These will be deployed at all 3,933 polling units, a critical tool for voter accreditation and result transmission.
In collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders, INEC aims to guarantee the safe storage and timely deployment of materials on the eve of the election. Babalola reassured that INEC’s ongoing engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, and community leaders would foster a peaceful and credible election environment.
“INEC is fully committed to conducting a transparent, credible, and inclusive election in Ondo State,” Babalola affirmed. She called on voters to turn out en masse on election day, exercise their democratic rights peacefully, and help shape the state’s future.
Political parties, candidates, and their supporters were also urged to uphold the principles of peaceful engagement, both before and after the election, as the state prepares for this significant democratic exercise.
