The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has assured the citizens of the state of credible elections starting with the by-election for the Ondo South senatorial district slated for June 20.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mutiu Agboke, assured political parties, stakeholders, and residents of the state that his office would remain accessible for questions, complaints, and clarifications on electoral matters.
Agboke, who was recently redeployed to the state, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a formal visit to the members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Leke Adegbite, in Akure.
Agboke stressed that transparency and open communication would remain central to the commission’s activities under his watch, especially as the electoral body prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Flanked by other senior management staff of the commission, the REC explained that elections are a collective responsibility that requires cooperation among political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate to achieve success.
According to him, INEC under his supervision is committed to conducting credible, free, and fair elections in Ondo State in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution.
Agboke called on political actors to always seek clarification through appropriate channels rather than spreading misinformation capable of heating up the polity.
He said, “My doors are open for questions and clarifications. For those who know me very well, I do not shy away from questions and clarifications because we don’t have anything to hide. So, we must work together to strengthen democracy and ensure public confidence in the electoral process.”
In preparation for the upcoming by-election in the Southern Senatorial District of the state, the REC said the commission is ready to deploy resources to ensure the exercise is free, fair, transparent,t and hitch-free.
He said that the electoral body would soon roll out activities for the bye-election already scheduled for June 20, noting that political parties have been notified of the election process ahead of the exercise.
However, Agboke called on residents of the state to participate actively in electoral activities, including the third phase of the continuous voter registration (CVR), which, with the online pre-registration, followed by in-person registration, began last year in August ahead of the general elections.
He further appealed to stakeholders to support the commission in promoting peaceful and issue-based politics in the state.
In his remarks, Mr Adegbite pledged the NUJ’s support for INEC in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process in Ondo State.
He said the union would mobilise journalists to give adequate and positive coverage to the commission’s activities, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
