By Ahmed Akanbi
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has expressed its readiness for the June 20 bye-election in Ondo South Senatorial District.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke said the commission has stepped up preparations since he assumed office as the 21st REC in the state.
The Senate seat became vacant after former lawmaker, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu in March 2026.
Agboke said the task is more manageable because the election will cover only the six local governments in Ondo South, unlike a full state-wide poll.
“For the bye-election in Ondo South, INEC is focusing on that area alone now. Instead of considering 18 local governments, we are focusing on the six local governments in the senatorial district,” he said.
The commission has begun consultations with stakeholders, particularly in riverine communities where transportation and security are key.
“Part of the arrangement is that we are going to engage stakeholders in transportation, particularly boat owners. We are also going to engage the Navy and naval officers who will be in charge of security,” Agboke said.
He added that INEC is intensifying voter education to ensure a peaceful process.
“We also educate the electorate in that axis on the need to conduct themselves well so that their votes will determine whoever emerges victorious. The arrangement is continuous. Right now, we are carrying out voter education and raising consciousness that the election is coming up on June 20,” he said.
On party primaries, the REC said INEC officials will monitor the exercises in line with electoral guidelines.
“As I’m talking to you, a letter has just been forwarded to us by a political party officially requesting the presence of our men, and arrangements are ongoing. We will deploy officials to any venue decided by political parties, and the events there shall be properly reported to the headquarters,” Agboke said.