Over 90% of polling unit results from Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election have been successfully uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal. This development demonstrates a significant milestone in the collation and transmission of election results across the state.
The latest update on the IReV portal was recorded at 6:18 p.m., signaling significant progress in the collation process and showcasing INEC’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. The accessibility of real-time results on the portal underscores the commission's effort to boost public confidence in the electoral system.
The main candidates vying for the governorship position include Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). These candidates represent the diverse political landscape of Ondo State and are the focal points of attention as the collation progresses.
Despite the significant progress in uploading results, the election process faced some technical challenges. Miss Angela Oshogwe, the Presiding Officer at Polling Unit 19, Ward 11, Olamojuba in Ondo West Local Government Area, reported that the Bio-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine experienced technical difficulties, particularly in recognizing the faces of some elderly voters. This issue caused temporary delays in the accreditation process at the polling unit.
Miss Oshogwe assured voters and stakeholders that she had promptly reported the problem to the relevant authorities for resolution. She expressed optimism, stating, “There is the possibility of the BVAS functioning before the close of voting,” highlighting her commitment to ensuring that every eligible voter could participate in the process.
Reacting to the reported BVAS malfunction, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, acknowledged the issue but clarified that it was limited to “very few polling units” and did not affect the overall integrity of the election. He reiterated INEC’s dedication to addressing such challenges swiftly to minimize disruptions to the voting process.
As vote collation continues across Ondo State, stakeholders and citizens closely monitor the process to ensure its transparency and inclusivity. INEC’s efforts to uphold the principles of a free and fair election remain a crucial aspect of this democratic exercise. Observers and political parties alike have expressed hope that the challenges faced during the voting process will be resolved promptly, allowing the election results to reflect the will of the people accurately.
The progress in uploading results and resolving technical issues highlights the importance of collaboration among election officials, stakeholders, and citizens in achieving a credible electoral outcome in Ondo State.