The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called for a peaceful and credible Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.
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.
Preparations for the Election
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.
Security Measures
Professor 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.
Role of Political Parties
INEC’s National Commissioner, Professor Kunle Ajayi, 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.
Technology Deployment
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 organizations, deploying 3,554 observers, and over 100 media organizations.
Collaborative Efforts
Professor Ajayi appreciated the support of religious and traditional rulers, the media, and civil society organizations in promoting peace and unity. He emphasized that the election is a collective endeavor, requiring collaborative efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and inclusive process.
IGP’s Comments
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 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.
Key Security Measures:
– Deployment of 22,239 police officers
– Synergy with other security agencies
– Concerted covert and overt operations
– Security at polling stations and public spaces
– Protection of voters, electoral officials, and materials
IGP’s Call to Action:
– Stakeholders should eschew violence and thuggery
– Conduct themselves peacefully and lawfully
– Report objectively and positively
– Maintain a peaceful and hitch-free election
On Friday, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar will host a Peace Accord ceremony. Candidates contesting the election are expected to attend the event to reaffirm their commitment to a free, fair and peaceful election.
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