The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has indefinitely suspended the Electoral Officer (EO) of Akure North Local Government, Mrs Akole Mobolade, over alleged incompetence, absence from duty and lack of diligence.

The disciplinary action followed an unscheduled monitoring visit by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, to the Commission’s offices in Akure North and Akure South as part of efforts to assess staff performance and strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Agboke also directed Electoral Officers 1 and 3 in Akure North to step aside from their duties with immediate effect.

Consequently, the Commission’s Administrative Officer, Mr Bisi Farokanmi, was appointed Acting Electoral Officer to oversee the affairs of the local government office.

During the inspection, the REC reportedly expressed displeasure over the absence of the Electoral Officer and Assistant Electoral Officers from their duty posts, describing the development as a serious breach of official responsibility.

He warned that such conduct would not be tolerated, particularly at a critical period when the Commission was intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections and sustaining the nationwide collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The inspection also covered the INEC State Headquarters in Akure and the Commission’s offices in Akure North and Akure South, with particular attention to PVC collection, staff discipline, operational efficiency and election preparedness.

However, at the Akure South office, the REC and his team met staff members actively carrying out their official responsibilities. He also inspected the office store and expressed satisfaction with the level of orderliness and organisation.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Agboke described Akure South as the premier local government area in Ondo State, considering its strategic importance, population and status as the state capital.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, disclosing that the receipt and distribution of non-sensitive election materials to local government offices had commenced.

Editorial note: The headline reflects the principal development, while the allegations are attributed appropriately rather than presented as established facts.