By Damilare Adeleye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Wednesday November 6, 2023, as date to conduct a mock accreditation of voters for Ondo State Governorship Election.
A statement on Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the mock accreditation is part of preparations for the Ondo State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Olumekun explained that the Commission during the exercise selected to hold in 12 Polling Units across six local government areas covering the three Senatorial Districts of the state will be test-running the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result upload to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the election, using live voters in the selected locations.
“For this purpose, the Commission has designated 12 Polling Units across six Local Government Areas covering the three Senatorial Districts of the State as centres for the mock accreditation,” the statement noted.
It added that in Ondo Central Senatorial District, “the exercise will take place in Akure South and Idanre LGAs. In Akure South LGA, the centres are Alagbaka Primary School in Akure and Ijapo High School also in Akue while in Idanre LGA, Our Saviour Primary School, Aiyetoro/Owena I and Open Space in front of Plot 6, Beside Teaching Service Commission, Owena, are the designated venues.
“In Ondo North Senatorial District, the two LGAs are Owo and Akoko South West. In Owo, the Methodist Primary School, Fajuyi Road and Imade College Gate, Ajaka Street I, shall serve as centres while the Open Space at Ago Ajayi, Oba and L. A. Primary School, Oba are the designated locations for Akoko South West LGA.
“In Ondo South Senatorial District, the two LGAs are Odigbo and Okitipupa. In Odigbo LGA, the selected locations are St John’s Primary School, Ajue and Isero Grammar School, Odigbo. In Okitipupa LGA, the Open Space at Oladipupo Lebi Street, by Zhomelo Lodge and the Baptist Primary School, Ode Aye, shall serve as centres.
“The mock exercise will be held on Wednesday 6th November 2024 at the designated Polling Units from 8.30am to 2.30pm.”
The Commissioner further explained that a graphic containing the names and locations of the centres had been uploaded on INEC website and social media platforms for public information.
“The Commission appeals to registered voters to come out with their PVCs for the exercise. Please note that only registered voters for the designated polling units are invited to participate in the exercise. No voter from another polling unit can be accredited by the BVAS,” the statement noted.