INEC Announces Key Dates for Edo State Governorship Election, Including Peace Accord Signing....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

As the Edo State governorship election approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined critical dates and activities aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process. The signing of a peace accord is scheduled for September 12, 2024, in Benin City, as announced by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with political parties in Abuja on Thursday.

The peace accord, organized in collaboration with the National Peace Committee, aims to foster a peaceful environment ahead of the election. Yakubu explained that the earlier signing allows the committee to monitor compliance with the code signed by parties, candidates, and other key players, including INEC and security agencies. “This decision to sign the peace accord early will add further weight to the initiative, moving beyond mere ceremony,” he stated.

Ahead of the peace accord, INEC will conduct a Mock Accreditation exercise on September 10 to test the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and ensure the smooth uploading of election results. With just 22 days left until the election on September 21, 2024, Yakubu reported that INEC has successfully completed 10 out of the 13 planned activities for the election.

“Campaigns are in full swing, and we have implemented 10 of the 13 activities in our Timetable and Schedule of Activities. The final register of voters, containing details of 2,629,025 registered voters, was presented to political parties on August 20, 2024,” Yakubu added. He highlighted that three key activities remain: the publication of the Notice of Poll on September 7, the conclusion of campaigns on September 19, and the election day on September 21.

Preparations include the installation of BVAS machines and printing triplicate copies of the voters’ register for all 4,519 polling units in Edo State. Yakubu emphasized that engagement with stakeholders and ongoing voter education efforts are crucial for a successful election. “We have completed training for security personnel and are finalizing logistics with transport unions,” he noted.

Significantly, Yakubu reported a 68.3% collection rate of the new Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recent Continuous Voter Registration. “Out of 184,438 PVCs, 125,928 have been collected within just five days, marking the highest collection rate for off-cycle elections,” he stated. He urged stakeholders to mobilize voters to collect their PVCs before the September 8 deadline.

In addition to the Mock Accreditation and peace accord signing, an INEC stakeholders meeting will take place on September 11, with attendance expected from the INEC Chairman and the Inspector-General of Police. Yakubu also addressed the new digital platform for submitting polling and collation agents’ details, urging political parties to comply with these digital procedures.

Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), emphasized the importance of respecting the electorate’s mandate and maintaining the integrity of the ballot box. “This Edo election will serve as a litmus test for future elections, including the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024,” he stated, urging parties to conduct issue-based campaigns and prioritize national unity and development.