Yakubu: Edo INEC Office Damage Won’t Disrupt Governorship Poll

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reassured the people of Edo State on Thursday that the governorship election scheduled for September 21 would proceed as planned, despite the destruction of the commission’s office due to a recent downpour and flooding.

Last Friday’s heavy rainfall in Edo caused extensive damage to the INEC building, including the enrollment machines for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and the ICT Department, as well as submerging vehicles. However, to ensure the commencement of CVR in all 192 wards on Monday, the commission secured enrollment machines from neighbouring Delta and Bayelsa states and relocated to the Ikpoba Okha office.

Yakubu, inspecting the damage alongside senior INEC personnel from both national and state headquarters, expressed confidence in repairing or replacing the affected infrastructure before the election. He emphasized the commission’s readiness for the elections in Edo and Ondo states and affirmed that the CVR would commence soon.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by the incident, Yakubu assured Edo voters of INEC’s commitment to conducting the elections as scheduled. He mentioned the possibility of deploying equipment from neighbouring states if needed to ensure the smooth running of the elections.

Regarding concerns about extending the 10-day CVR period, Yakubu stated that the commission would make decisions as necessary. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, also viewed the flood as an opportunity for better preparation for the upcoming election.