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

The Commission also ordered Electoral Officers One and Three in the local government to step aside from their duties with immediate effect.

Consequently, the Administrative Officer, Mr Bisi Farokanmi, has been appointed Acting Electoral Officer to oversee the Commission’s activities in the local government.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, announced the disciplinary measures while addressing journalists during an inspection of INEC facilities and election preparations at the Commission’s state headquarters in Akure, as well as its offices in Akure North and Akure South.

The inspection was aimed at assessing the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), monitoring staff performance and evaluating the Commission’s level of preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

The suspension followed an unscheduled monitoring visit by the REC to the Akure North office, where he reportedly expressed displeasure over the absence of the Electoral Officer and Assistant Electoral Officers from their duty posts at the time of his arrival.

Agboke described their absence as irresponsible and a serious breach of official responsibility, stressing that such conduct would not be tolerated, particularly at a critical period when the Commission was intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections.

He emphasised the need for discipline, diligence and commitment among personnel to ensure effective service delivery and the smooth conduct of the forthcoming elections.

Meanwhile, the REC expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment displayed by staff at the Akure South office, where all personnel were found actively performing their official duties.

He also inspected the office store and commended the level of orderliness and organisation observed.

Describing Akure South as the premier local government area in Ondo State because of its strategic importance, population and status as the state capital, Agboke reaffirmed INEC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.

He further disclosed that the receipt and distribution of non-sensitive election materials to local government offices had commenced.