The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a strong warning that electoral offenders in the forthcoming Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election risk sanctions of up to ₦50m fine, 20 years’ imprisonment, and disqualification from voting or contesting elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, gave the warning on Tuesday at the quarterly meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at the INEC State Office in Akure.
Agboke said the commission would enforce strict provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, stressing that electoral offences—particularly vote-buying, ballot box snatching, violence, and falsification of results—would no longer be treated lightly.
According to him, “Illegal printing or possession of ballot papers attracts a fine of up to ₦50,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than 10 years, or both,” adding that ballot box snatching carries a maximum jail term of 20 years under the law.
He further warned that bribery and vote trading attract a minimum fine of ₦5m or imprisonment of not less than two years, in addition to a 10-year ban from participating in elections.
“Selling or buying voters’ cards or votes attracts a fine of not less than ₦5,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years or both. The offender will also be disqualified from voting or contesting for 10 years,” he said.
Agboke stressed that the commission would work closely with security agencies to ensure full enforcement of electoral laws during the June 20, 2026 bye-election.
Bye-Election Follows Diplomatic Appointment
The forthcoming election became necessary following the appointment of former senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, subsequently declared the seat vacant on April 28 in line with constitutional provisions, paving the way for INEC to fix June 20 for the bye-election.
Agboke said the election would be conducted alongside other federal and state bye-elections across the country, in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
673,446 Voters, BVAS Deployment Confirmed
The REC disclosed that 673,446 registered voters across six local government areas—Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo—are expected to participate in the election across 1,354 polling units.
He confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be deployed for accreditation and result transmission, while results would be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time.
“All BVAS machines have been tested, configured and certified functional. Backup devices have also been provided to mitigate any technical challenge,” he said.
Security Concerns, Logistics, Terrain Challenges
Agboke identified difficult terrain and flashpoints in riverine areas as major security concerns, calling for early deployment of personnel and logistics support from security agencies.
He said sensitive materials would be stored at the Central Bank vault in Akure, while transport arrangements had been concluded for timely deployment of personnel and materials.
“Ondo State has set what is now known as the ONDO STANDARD for early deployment of men and materials. We intend to sustain that benchmark,” he added.
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