The Independent National Electoral Commission has indefinitely suspended its Electoral Officer in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mrs Akole Mobolade, over alleged incompetence, absenteeism and failure to discharge her official responsibilities.
The commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, also directed Electoral Officers I and III in the local government to step aside immediately over concerns about their performance.
An administrative officer, Mr Bisi Farokanmi, has subsequently been appointed acting Electoral Officer to oversee INEC’s operations in the local government.
Agboke announced the disciplinary actions while speaking with journalists during an inspection of the commission’s facilities and preparations for the 2027 general elections in Akure, Akure North and Akure South.
The exercise was aimed at evaluating staff performance, monitoring the ongoing Permanent Voter Card collection and assessing the commission’s level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
During an unscheduled visit to the Akure North office, the REC reportedly expressed dissatisfaction after discovering that the Electoral Officer and some Assistant Electoral Officers were absent from their duty posts.
He described the situation as a failure to meet official obligations, warning that the commission would not tolerate negligence as preparations for the 2027 elections intensified.
However, the REC commended the level of organisation at the Akure South office, where he found staff members at their duty posts during the inspection. He also expressed satisfaction with the condition of the facility and its store.
Agboke reiterated the commission’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, disclosing that the receipt and distribution of non-sensitive electoral materials to local government offices had commenced.
