Ondo Guber: INEC engages candidates, parties, stakeholders 

With eight days to the November 16 off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met with political parties, their standard-bearers, as well as relevant stakeholders in order to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful process.

While addressing the political gladiators at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, the state capital, the Chairman of the electoral body, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured that INEC is ready for the election.

Yakubu, who urged political parties to restrain their supporters from any disruptive behaviour on the day of the election, disclosed that officials of the commission have been warned that there will be consequences for dereliction of duty during the electoral process.

He said: “The 2024 Ondo State Governorship election is not just a national election; it is also of global interest. The Commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organisations, deploying 3,554 observers for the election.

“Let me reassure stakeholders that INEC is ready for the election. We are deploying the BVAS machines for voter accreditation at polling units and for the upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

“As you are aware, election is a multi-stakeholder activity. INEC has a role to play, and we have done so always in consultation with stakeholders. However, our role has to be complemented by all stakeholders. I urge political parties to follow the example of other accredited observers and the media by using the tags issued by the Commission and displaying the same at all voting and collation locations.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who advised the political parties and their candidates as well as supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and lawfully, in line with global best practices of democracy, added that violators of electoral laws run the risk of prosecution.

Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 17, Abiodun Oladimeji, said that aside from the other sister security agencies that will be deployed for the polls, no fewer than 22,239 police operatives will be on election duty.

He said, “It is common knowledge that the success of any important process like the forthcoming governorship election in this state depends on peace, order, and security. Therefore, breach of the peace or security can surely scuttle the success expected in the exercise.

READ ALSO:Ondo Guber: INEC engages candidates, parties, stakeholders 

“Hence, it is very pertinent for all stakeholders to discharge our various duties with security-conscious approaches. We should bear it in mind that performing our roles in a fair and orderly manner will certainly reduce the security threats to the barest minimum, with a far-reaching effect on the credibility of the election.”

Meanwhile, some candidates who were present at the engagement commended the diligence and commitment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, towards the conduct of the poll.

Leading the commendation was the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dr. Abbas Mimiko, who praised Babalola for her dedication to the electoral process with transparency.

The ZLP candidate said, “Mrs. Babalola has shown great diligence and commitment to her duties. We in the ZLP are not calling for her redeployment, as we have full confidence in her impartiality and the integrity of her work.”

Expressing his trust in INEC, he added, “I am confident that INEC will deliver as expected. We believe they are fully prepared to ensure a transparent, credible election that will truly reflect the will of the people. I urge all stakeholders to have faith in INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.”

On his part, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is also the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressed the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process.

“Elections will come and go, but Ondo State will remain. It is our duty to preserve the peace we currently enjoy,” the governor stated.

Aiyedatiwa urged all candidates to prioritise unity and stability, saying, “I appeal to my fellow candidates to see beyond the immediate contest and focus on the long-term peace and prosperity of our state.”

He went on to commend stakeholders for their efforts, adding, “I sincerely appreciate the commitment shown by all those working to uphold peace in Ondo. Your responsible actions have been vital to ensuring a stable and peaceful environment for all.”