…..Seeks media support ahead of polls

The newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, has issued advice to political actors in the state against disseminating false information, insisting that his office will operate a policy of maximum transparency and accessibility.

According to Agboke, who stated this during a visit to the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State council, secrecy would have no place in his administration.

The REC emphasised that under his watch, the electoral body would welcome questions and complaints from all stakeholders in the state.

Agboke, who was received by the NUJ Chairman, Leke Adegbite, stressed that the success of any election hinges on collective responsibility, noting that cooperation among political parties, security operatives, civil society, the media, and the electorate is non-negotiable for delivering credible polls.

Flanked by top management staff of the commission, Agboke reaffirmed that all activities would strictly adhere to the Electoral Act and the constitution.

Looking ahead to the upcoming by-election for the Southern Senatorial District, scheduled for June 20, the REC confirmed that the commission has commenced final preparations.

He assured that the exercise would be free, fair, transparent, and entirely hitch-free, adding that political parties have already been duly notified of the process.

Agboke also urged active participation in the third phase of the continuous voter registration (CVR), stressing that while online pre-registration is ongoing, physical registration has been available since August of last year, offering ample opportunity for eligible voters to acquire their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Agboke urged political actors to always channel their grievances and enquiries through official channels rather than resorting to public misinformation.

“My doors are open for questions and clarifications. For those who know me very well, I do not shy away from questions and clarifications because we don’t have anything to hide. So, we must work together to strengthen democracy and ensure public confidence in the electoral process,” the REC stated.

He further called on all stakeholders to embrace peaceful and issue-based politicking, stating that inflammatory statements could overheat the polity and undermine the integrity of elections.

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Leke Adegbite, pledged the union’s full support for the commission.

He assured the REC that journalists in the state would be mobilised to provide adequate, balanced, and positive coverage of INEC’s activities, particularly as the country marches toward the 2027 general elections.