We’ll deploy resources to ensure Ondo South bye-election is hitch-free, transparent, says INEC

In preparation for the upcoming June 20, 2026 bye-election in the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured its readiness to deploy resources to ensure the exercise is free, fair, transparent and hitch-free in the state.

Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who was recently redeployed to Ondo State, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a formal visit to the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo Council led by by its Chairman, Leke Adegbite, in Akure.

Agboke said that the electoral body would soon roll out activities for the bye-election already for scheduled for June 20, noting that political parties have been notified of the election process ahead of the exercise.

The REC, however, called on residents of the state to participate actively in electoral activities, including the third phase of the continuous voter registration (CVR), which with the online pre-registration, followed by in-person registration which began last year August ahead of the general elections.

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He further appealed to stakeholders to support the commission in promoting peaceful and issue-based politics in the state.

According to him, the INEC under his supervision is committed to conducting credible, free and fair elections in Ondo State in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution.

Agboke called on political actors to always seek clarification through appropriate channels rather than spreading misinformation capable of heating up the polity.

“My doors are open for questions and clarifications. For those who knows me very well, I do not shy away from questions and clarifications because we don’t have anything to hide.

“So, we must work together to strengthen democracy and ensure public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

In his remarks, Adegbite pledged the NUJ’s support for INEC in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process in Ondo State.

He said the union would mobilise journalists to give adequate and positive coverage to the commission’s activities, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.