INEC to conduct mock accreditation in Ondo State ahead of governorship election 

INEC to conduct mock accreditation in Ondo State ahead of governorship election 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has scheduled a mock accreditation exercise for selected voters in Ondo State on November 6, 2024. 

The initiative aims to test the effectiveness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the result upload process to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in preparation for the upcoming governorship election set for November 16, 2024

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, emphasized the importance of the mock exercise, stating, “This test-run is crucial for ensuring the smooth deployment of the BVAS technology, which is designed to enhance the credibility of our electoral process.”

The mock accreditation will take place at designated Polling Units across six Local Government Areas (LGAs), reflecting a balanced representation from the three Senatorial Districts of Ondo State. 

“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.

“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 statement revealed.

The mock exercise is scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. 

Olumekun added that a graphic containing the names and locations of the centres has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.

He therefore urged 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.” He concluded.