The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has reassured for a peaceful and credible Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday.
This is even as the Inspector General of Police announced the deployment of 22,339 personnel to provide security for voters, INEC staff and candidates.
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.
Ahead of the election, INEC has implemented various electoral activities, including voter registration and collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). The commission 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.
Professor Yakubu stressed the importance of security during the election, assuring the need to provide cover to ensure personal safety and protection of observers, the media, and citizens.
INEC 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 assured that it will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance credibility and transparency. The commission also accredited 111 domestic and international organizations, deploying 3,554 observers, and over 112 media organizations.
It emphasized that the election is a collective endeavour, requiring collaborative efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and inclusive process.
Meanwhile, The Inspector-General of Police, represented by AIG Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, 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 said that it 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.
Note that the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar will host a Peace Accord ceremony on Friday. Candidates contesting the election are expected to attend the event to reaffirm their commitment to a free, fair and peaceful election.
