INEC Fire A Mystery But Gov Election Will Not Be Postponed – Ondo REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the cause of the fire which destroyed about 5000 card readers was unknown but the commission will not postpone the Ondo State governorship election scheduled to hold on from October 10.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Ondo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, said this while briefing journalists in Akure on Friday.

About 5000 card reader machines were destroyed in a fire outbreak at the office on Thursday evening. The incident which happened a month to the poll date has caused many to doudt if the election would still hold as earlier planned.

But the REC allayed this fear and clarified that the commission would not shift the poll date.

He said, “Up till now, the actual cause of the fire is unknown but relevant security agencies have commenced investigation and you will be further briefed as events unfold.

“Let me use this medium to allay the fears of the electorate, political parties and our stakeholders and the people of Ondo State that the fire incident will not affect the conduct of the forthcoming election in any form neither will it lead to the postponement of the election.

“Necessary arrangements have been put in place for the replacement of the damaged materials. Let me reiterate that our determination to conduct a free, fair, credible, and successful election remains undaunted. We shall not rest on our oars as an Election Management Body to always pursue the vision and mission of being an EMB that meets the aspirations of the Nigerian people.”