The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to remain impartial during tomorrow’s governorship election in Ondo State, pledging a free, fair, and credible process.

“We are going to remain committed and impartial in all we do; we are not going to take sides because we want free, fair, and credible elections,” Musa declared during a meeting with heads of security agencies in Akure.

The CDS disclosed that his presence in the state was in response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ensure synergy among security forces to maintain peace during the polls.

He noted that the primary objective of the security agencies is to guarantee the safety and security of the electorate. “What matters most is that Ondo State will be secured, and their security is guaranteed,” Musa said.

Praising the security forces for their conduct in the recent Edo State governorship election, he urged them to replicate the same level of professionalism. “Ondo State has been a very peaceful place. We want to sustain that and ensure that this is the best election in Ondo State,” he noted.

The CDS appealed to voters to participate actively, assuring them of their safety. “I want to appeal to all Nigerians, especially the good people of Ondo State; they should all come out en masse to vote for whom they want. Nobody will intimidate you,” he said.

Musa also instructed heads of security agencies to closely monitor their personnel to prevent any deviation from their mandate. “Once we work together, criminals cannot penetrate, and remember that everybody is important and relevant. Let us put our best forward for the sake of the country and Ondo State at large,” he urged.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration Services, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police, and other security agencies, all of whom reiterated their commitment to ensuring a secure and credible election process.
MUSA’s assurances came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday commenced the distribution of sensitive materials to the state’s 18 local councils in preparation for the election.

The Guardian learnt that the distribution was carried out at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises in Akure under the supervision of representatives of political parties, security personnel, observers, and the media.

Several vehicles, including commercial buses hired by INEC, were lined up to convey the materials to designated council areas across the state.Speaking on the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, assured that potential logistics challenges had been preemptively addressed. She noted that the early distribution aimed to ensure a smooth electoral process.

“The distribution exercise is progressing smoothly,” Babalola said. “The farthest local councils have begun moving to their destinations. Ilaje and Ese-Odo have departed, and Okitipupa and Irele will soon follow. We are moving simultaneously to different locations.”

She highlighted the difficult terrains, especially in riverine areas such as Ilaje and Ese-Odo, adding that special arrangements, including the use of boats and support from the navy with gunboats, were in place to secure the movement of personnel and materials.

She explained that for areas with challenging road access, “We will transport materials by vehicle as far as possible and continue with other suitable means where needed.”

The Chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Adesanya Olaoluwa, commended the distribution process and expressed satisfaction with INEC’s arrangements.

“What we have observed here at the CBN during the distribution of sensitive materials is commendable. Given the distance and difficult terrains of some riverine councils, the early distribution is necessary,” he said.

HOWEVER, Yiaga Africa, a non-profit organisation promoting participatory democracy, human rights and civic participation, raised concerns that voter inducement could undermine the integrity of the polls.

In its pre-election statement yesterday, the civil society group observed that political parties and candidates increasingly distributed cash gifts and food items to sway voters ahead of the election. According to Yiaga Africa, this practice erodes public trust in the democratic process and compromises the integrity of the electoral system.

“Yiaga Africa’s Long-Term Observers (LTOs) reported incidents of voter inducement during campaign activities by both the APC and PDP,” the organisation revealed.

“Cash gifts ranging from N2,000 to N5,000 were allegedly distributed to voters in 14 local councils, including Odigbo, Idanre, Akoko North East, Irele, Ilaje, Okitipupa, Owo, Akoko South West, Ondo East, Ese-Odo, Ifedore, Akoko South East, Akoko North West, and Akure South.”

The election monitor warned that such inducements could escalate on election day, turning polling units into hotspots for vote buying. Yiaga Africa cautioned that this could compromise the fairness of the election and perpetuate corruption within the system.

Additionally, the organisation expressed concern over the increasing desperation of political actors, citing intensified rhetoric, aggressive campaigning, misinformation, and personal attacks against opponents. These actions, it noted, could create a volatile atmosphere that may escalate into violence on election day.

Regarding INEC’s readiness, Yiaga Africa acknowledged the ongoing deployment of sensitive election materials across local councils in the state. However, it urged the commission to improve coordination with transport companies and unions providing logistical support.

Yiaga Africa called on all stakeholders to collaborate in making the Ondo State election a model for other off-cycle polls, stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a peaceful process.

“In addition, INEC should ensure timely communication with stakeholders regarding election day procedures, promptly address any challenges that arise, and inspire public confidence in the process,” it stated.

The civil society group also highlighted the need for accessibility for persons with disabilities, urging INEC’s ad hoc staff to set up polling units in ways that accommodate voters with special needs. It called for the provision of assistive materials such as magnifying glasses and braille ballot guides and the completion of form EC40H in all polling units during the voting process.

MEANWHILE, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo raised concerns over alleged plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to compromise the election.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the chairman of the PDP governorship campaign council, Eddy Olafeso, claimed that APC thugs had been attacking PDP supporters, thereby threatening the peaceful conduct of the election.

Olafeso alleged that these actions contravened the peace accord signed by political parties ahead of the polls.

“In the early hours of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, a known APC thug, Oyewole Aderemi, also known as Gulder, led a group of thugs to attack PDP supporters in Idanre Local Council, leaving several people injured,” Olafeso said.

“One of our members, Otunba Olowoniyi Akinlemimu, is currently in the intensive care unit of the State Specialists Hospital, Akure, while others are still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.”

Olafeso further expressed doubts about INEC’s ability to ensure a credible exercise. He pointed to patterns similar to those observed during the recent Edo State election and expressed concern over the deployment of paramilitary personnel allegedly approved by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The PDP alleged that the minister had mobilised officers from agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service to interfere in the election. Olafeso suggested that the minister’s past actions during APC primary elections raised suspicions about his intentions.

“The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has already committed 22,239 officers to ensure security on election day. We believe this is sufficient, and any attempt by the Minister of Interior to undermine this with paramilitary forces is unacceptable,” Olafeso stated. He warned that the APC’s actions violated the peace accord and urged security agencies to act professionally. “We are peace-loving, but we will resist any attempts to compromise the election process. Any such moves will be met with lawful resistance,” he added.

However, the Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He maintained that the APC had no reason to engage in violence, given its significant support base in the state.

“The PDP’s accusations are pure fallacy. As the party in the majority, we are focused on engaging the electorate and have no need for thugs,” Adetimehin asserted.

ALSO, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs into polling booths and collation centres during the election.

In a statement yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that Egbetokun has implemented “comprehensive security measures” to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.

In preparation for the polls, the IGP has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Sylvester Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the election. Alabi will oversee the implementation of security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the period. Additionally, Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Bennett Igweh and Commissioner of Police (CP) Tunji Disu have been appointed to ensure a free and fair election.

Egbetokun further announced a restriction on all movements across roads, waterways, and other means of transportation in Ondo State between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. tomorrow. This restriction exempts only essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, and fire service personnel.

RELATEDLY, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced the deployment of 1,500 personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. This deployment was approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as part of collaborative efforts with other security agencies to enforce vehicular movement restrictions on election day .

According to a statement issued by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the move aims to maintain order throughout the election process.

The FRSC revealed that its deployment includes 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, and six ambulances strategically positioned to assist with traffic management, clear road obstructions, and respond to emergencies . Ogungbemide urged the officers deployed to maintain the highest level of professionalism and respect voters’ rights.

The Corps warned against any actions that might infringe on democratic rights, emphasising the need for a peaceful and orderly election. The statement appealed to the electorate to comply with vehicular movement restrictions and cooperate with officials to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

“As part of efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, the Corps Marshal has approved the deployment of 1,500 operatives,” the statement read.

“These officers have been directed to collaborate with other security agencies to enforce movement restrictions, clear road obstructions, and carry out rescue operations if needed.”

The FRSC also disclosed that resources have been mobilised to deploy operational tools, including patrol vehicles and ambulances, to strengthen enforcement during the election period.

The Corps Marshal reiterated that personnel involved in the election exercise must display professionalism and avoid any actions that could abuse voters’ rights.