Ahead of Edo, Ondo Polls, INEC Empowers RECs with Special Retreat

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has acknowledged the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states, along with various pending bye-elections, as pressing tasks demanding steadfast preparedness.
Yakubu made these remarks at the induction retreat for new Resident Electoral Commissioners in Lagos, on Monday.
The head of INEC underscored the significance of the retreat not only in orienting new appointees but also in assessing and enhancing the operational capacities of INEC.
He stated, “The current retreat is convened in light of the impending gubernatorial elections in Edo State in the upcoming 81 days and Ondo State in the subsequent 137 days.

Moreover, there are five pending bye-elections for Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State and four state constituencies: Khana II of Rivers State, Bagwai/Shanono of Kano State, Zaria Kewaye of Kaduna State, and Ganye of Adamawa State. These pending bye-elections bring the total of such elections to 14 since the inception of the national and state assemblies in June last year.
Looking ahead, there are four major elections preceding the next general election in 2027. The Anambra State Governorship election next year will be succeeded in 2026 by the Ekiti and Osun State gubernatorial elections and, it is essential to note, the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
Hence, as we deliberate, ruminate, and innovate for credible elections, we are concurrently implementing the reforms and innovations that we can introduce through administrative actions. Given that the election is a process regulated by law, we also intend to boost our engagement with the National Assembly for activities necessitating legal reform.”

The INEC chairperson emphasized the importance of educating and empowering the new RECs with the knowledge and expertise needed to manage these responsibilities effectively.
“As new RECs, we should concentrate on how we can familiarize ourselves further with the processes and procedures of the Commission. For the seasoned individuals, we should utilize our invaluable field experience to contribute to mitigating recurring challenges in the realms of pre-election and post-election litigations, operational issues, particularly in logistics, enhancements in voter education processes, matters of strategic communication and combatting fake news, misinformation, and disinformation as well as inclusivity in the electoral process, voter registration, assigning voters to polling units, the role of technology from pre-election activities to Election Day procedures, political party issues primarily stemming from leadership conflicts and the administration of party primaries, the recruitment and training of election duty officials, election security, and our code of conduct.
In a well-organized retreat such as this one, there is perpetually something novel to learn. Upon contemplation, there is also a fresh experience to impart to colleagues. Nevertheless, always bear in mind that the cardinal aim is enhanced service delivery,” he remarked.
He underscored the commission’s dedication to continual election preparedness and process enhancement.
Nine of the RECs were sworn in on December 12, 2023, and one of them on January 30, 2024.
They were assigned as follows: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo State; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom; Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi Omoseyindemi, Ekiti; Etekamba Umore, Delta; and Shehu Wahab, Nasarawa.