INEC Accredits 134 Groups to Observe Edo, Ondo Guber Elections

INEC Accredits 134 Groups to Observe Edo, Ondo Guber Elections

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited a total of 134 organizations to observe the forthcoming Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, scheduled for later this year.

According to a statement issued by the INEC National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun mni, on Monday, the accreditation process was carried out in line with the commission’s regulations and guidelines.

According to Olumekun, a total of 153 applications were received from interested organizations, but after a thorough review, only 134 groups met the requirements for accreditation.

The breakdown of the accredited organizations shows that 28 are gender-based, three are persons with disability-focused, eight are faith-based, 10 are international organizations, and over 100 others are working in areas relevant to INEC’s functions.

The accredited organizations have been invited to upload the personal details and photographs of their field observers to INEC’s dedicated portal.

“To this end, the Commission is organising 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 statement partly read.

The Edo and Ondo Governorship elections have been scheduled for September 21st and November 16th, 2024, respectively.