Edo, Ondo Gov Poll: INEC Clears Observers’ Groups

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has accredited 134 groups as observers for the forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.

The groups emerged out of 153 applications from domestic and international interested organizations, after a review as provided by its regulations and guidelines.

The groups are made up of 124 domestic and 10 international, according to a statement by National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Sam Olumekun.

The classification of the organisations shows that 28 are gender-based, three representing Persons with Disability, eight are faith-based, 10 foreign and over 100 others working in areas relevant to the functions of INEC, most of them with previous experience of election observation.

Olumekun added that the next step is for the accredited organisations to upload the personal details and photographs of their field observers to our dedicated portal established for that purpose.

He announced that the Commission is organizing a one-day training for representatives of observer groups on Wednesday 17th July 2024 at the Commission’s Conference Room in Abuja at 10.00am.

“Access Code to the portal and letters of accreditation will be given to representatives of the accredited organisations at the training venue.

“Details of the one-day training as well as the comprehensive list of all the 134 accredited groups have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for action by the concerned organisations and for public information.”

The Edo State Governorship elections will be held on September 21, 2024, while that of Ondo state will be held on November 16, 2024.

The commission further said that details of the elections would be published and made public both on the INEC website and across its social media platforms.