Ahead of the Ondo election, the Independent National Election (INEC) on Thursday said there was a collaborative efforts between it and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a peaceful governorship election.
INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu assured a peaceful and credible Ondo state governorship election on Saturday November 16, 2024.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Thursday, Yakubu emphasised INEC’s readiness for the election, highlighting the commission’s efforts to ensure transparency and credibility.
He said, “INEC has implemented various electoral activities, including voter registration and collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). The commission has uploaded detailed information on collected and uncollected PVCs for each of the 3,933 polling units in Ondo state. A total of 2,053,061 registered voters are expected to participate in the election.
Yakubu stressed the importance of security during the election, ensuring personal safety and protection of observers, the media, and citizens.
“The commission has worked closely with security agencies to develop a comprehensive election security plan”.
INEC’s National Commissioner, Professor Kunle Ajayi, urged political parties to conduct themselves with decorum and responsibility.
He emphasised that democracy flourished in an atmosphere where candidates competed based on ideas, vision, and respect for the electorate.
The National Commissioner said, “INEC 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 organisations, deploying 3,554 observers, and over 100 media organisations.
Professor Ajayi appreciated the support of religious and traditional rulers, the media, and civil society organisations in promoting peace and unity.
He stressed that the election was a collective endeavour, requiring collaborative efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and inclusive process.
Towards a peaceful conduct of the Ondo state governorship polls, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has deployed 22,239 police personnel to function in election duty in the state.
The IGP, represented by AIG Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, emphasised the crucial role of security in the upcoming Ondo state governorship election, scheduled for Saturday November 16, 2024.
He stressed that the success of the election depended 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 would face diligent prosecution.
