The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has received and distributed the necessary funds for the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
On Tuesday, September 10, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu made this announcement during an inspection of the Commission’s facilities in preparation for the election, which is scheduled for September 21, in Benin City.
Professor Yakubu stated that all funds required for the election have been disbursed to the state and the 18 local government offices, even before the recent increase in fuel prices. He also expressed satisfaction with the non-sensitive materials that have been prepared for the election.
“This visit to Edo State is part of our routine activities before major off-cycle elections. We are here to assess the readiness of the state and visit several local government areas,” Yakubu said.
The INEC Chairman noted that they had visited three local government areas—Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba/Okha—to review the level of preparation, including the receipt of materials and organization of the election. Additionally, they observed a mock accreditation exercise designed to test the integrity of their systems for voter accreditation and results upload.
“We are satisfied with the preparations in the three local government offices we visited and the mock exercise centers. Everything looks ready, and we believe we are good to go,” Yakubu added.
He reassured Edo residents of INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible, fair, and free election, emphasizing that the Commission does not have a candidate. “The choice of the next governor of Edo State rests entirely with the voters. INEC is not a political party and does not have a candidate,” he said.
Yakubu encouraged all registered voters in Edo State to participate in the election and vote for their preferred party and candidate. He also assured that INEC would uphold the integrity of the electoral process and respect the voters’ choices.
