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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State says it has taken delivery of non-sensitive election materials and is ready for the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mutiu Agboke, disclosed this on Wednesday in Akure during a courtesy visit to the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi.
Agboke said preparations for the elections were progressing across the country, adding that Ondo State had received essential non-sensitive materials and was awaiting the arrival of sensitive materials.
He identified the available materials as mats, generators and operational vehicles, describing their availability as evidence of the commission’s preparedness for the exercise.
“Election is fast approaching, preparation is on top gear across states but in Ondo State, the non-sensitive materials are available and we waiting for the sensitive materials.
“So, for us in Ondo, the non-sensitive material that we have shows we are ready for the election,” he said.
The REC explained that the visit was part of efforts to engage traditional institutions and other stakeholders in the commission’s preparations and secure their support for a credible electoral process.
He particularly appealed to the traditional ruler to use his influence to encourage eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), expressing concern over what he described as a lackadaisical attitude among some residents towards PVC collection.
Agboke also urged traditional rulers to discourage vote-buying and electoral violence, while appealing to parents to prevent their children from being recruited by politicians to perpetrate violence during the elections.
He called on political parties to comply with electoral laws, guidelines and regulations, stressing that INEC would not tolerate misconduct among its personnel.
The REC warned commission officials against absenteeism and dereliction of duty, adding that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone found wanting in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Responding, the Deji of Akure commended INEC for making non-sensitive materials available ahead of the elections and assured the commission of the support of traditional institutions.
Aladelusi expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections in Ondo State and across the country would be peaceful, pledging to mobilise traditional leaders, market women and other community stakeholders towards achieving the objective.
He stressed that traditional rulers had a responsibility to support government initiatives without engaging in partisan electioneering.
“We are ready to support you. We will talk to our market women and others who have not collected his or her PVC to do so because it is your power.
“So, whatever we can do to make sure that the election will be peaceful and non-violent, we are going to do it,” he said.
