The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed deep concerns about the lack of funding for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed on Thursday that the commission has not yet received the necessary funds for the elections in both states.
During an interactive session with the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, Professor Yakubu clarified that the N40 billion allocated for INEC’s 2024 statutory budget is designated for the commission’s general operations, including managing its substantial workforce of over 15,000 staff across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, rather than for specific elections.
Professor Yakubu emphasized the challenges associated with off-cycle elections, which are often more complex than general elections due to heightened political activity, including intense campaigns and the influence of Governors and National Assembly members.
He recounted a personal experience of being stranded in Osun State due to politicians booking all available hotels during a peace accord signing.
INEC has approved 134 observers for the Edo governorship election, which includes 124 local and 10 international observers.
For both the Edo election scheduled for September 21, 2024, and the Ondo election on November 16, 2024, the commission will provide each political party with a complete voters’ register, detailed by polling unit, ward, and local government, 30 days before the election.
Highlighting the advancements in electoral technology, Professor Yakubu praised INEC’s database as one of the most secure in Africa, with approximately 90 million registered voters, complete with facial and fingerprint recognition.
He also noted the ongoing collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to enhance operations.
Professor Yakubu urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Electoral Offenders Bill, which would empower INEC with greater authority and resources to address electoral offences effectively.
He also supported the proposal for INEC to conduct Local Council elections nationwide, contingent on constitutional amendments to transfer this responsibility to the commission.
The INEC Chairman concluded by citing the stability of tenure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, which has seen balanced representation between the APC and PDP, as evidence of the commission’s capability in managing elections.
Meanwhile, students of Ondo State origin have pledged their unwavering support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming governorship election, promising to mobilize for the governor.
The students conveyed their support through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Honourable Kelvin Olaolu Solomon.
Honourable Solomon assured Aiyedatiwa of the full backing of all students in the state, emphasizing that the governor has performed admirably to the satisfaction of the student body during his tenure.
