Ondo 2020: INEC Replaces Burnt Card Readers, Ready For Election |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has promised to conduct the October 10 Governorship election in Ondo state as scheduled. Signs that the promise will be kept are beginning to manifest.

The Commission, as part of measures to douse tension generated by an inferno which gutted over 5,000 Card Readers meant for the conduct of the election, at its Akure office about a forthnight ago, announced that it has replaced the Card Readers.

Report from police investigation into the fire incident, blamed it on power surge from a source which linked the cabin where the card readers were kept.

Some opposition political parties had suspected a foul play and called for an investigation into the incident, while Governor Rotimi Akeredolu promised to assist the commission to replace the items.

INEC’s Chairman, Prof Mammud Yakubu, on arrival in Akure on Wednesday, for a- three day visit, to inspect preparations for the election, announced that all the burnt items had been replaced.

He told Journalists that the Commission was ready for the conduct of credible and acceptable poll as witnessed in Edo State.

The INEC Chairman and his entourage, while in Akure, are expected to meet with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr Rufus Akeju and Heads of Departments ahead of the  election.

He is also expected to interact with the Media  in the state, leaders of the various political parties and traditional rulers.

INEC, fresh from conducting what has been described as a free an fair election in Edo, is expected to perform the same feat in the Ondo upcoming Governorship election on October 10.