Ondo Polls: INEC Chairman calls for peaceful election

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called for a peaceful and credible Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Thursday, Professor Yakubu emphasized INEC’s readiness for the election, highlighting the commission’s efforts to ensure transparency and credibility.

On preparations for the election, Yakubu said INEC has implemented various electoral activities, including voter registration and collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs.

He said the commission has uploaded detailed information on collected and uncollected PVCs for each of the 3,933 polling units in Ondo State.

According to him, a total of 2,053,061 registered voters are expected to participate in the election.

On security measures, the INEC boss stressed the importance of security during the election, ensuring personal safety and protection of observers, the media, and citizens.

He said the commission has worked closely with security agencies to develop a comprehensive election security plan.

On his part, the INEC’s National Commissioner, Professor Kunle Ajayi, urged political parties to conduct themselves with decorum and responsibility.

He emphasized that elections are not a zero-sum game and that democracy flourishes in an atmosphere where candidates compete based on ideas, vision, and respect for the electorate.

INEC said it will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, IReV, to enhance credibility and transparency.

The commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organizations, deploying 3,554 observers, and over 100 media organizations.

The Inspector-General of Police, represented by AIG Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, on his part, emphasized the crucial role of security in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

He stressed that the success of the election depends on peace, order, and security and that any breach of peace or security can compromise the exercise.

To ensure adequate security, the Nigeria Police will deploy 22,239 officers, in addition to personnel from sister agencies. The police will work closely with other security agencies to identify and address potential security threats, provide security at polling stations, and protect voters, electoral officials, and materials.

The AIG urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates and agents, to conduct themselves peacefully and lawfully, adhering to global best practices of democracy. He cautioned against violence, thuggery, and electoral law violations, warning that violators will face diligent prosecution.