'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today convened a key stakeholders' meeting in preparation for the Ondo State Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.
The meeting, which took place at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, brought together representatives from political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and the media.
INEC’s readiness for the election
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, opened the session by emphasizing the Commission's preparedness for the upcoming election, stating that only two major activities remain ahead of the vote: the final day of political campaigning on November 14, and Election Day itself. With eight days left to go, Yakubu confirmed that all other processes, including voter registration, the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), and the accreditation of election observers, had been completed.
He also highlighted that over 2 million voters are registered for the election, with specific demographic breakdowns provided for each Local Government Area in the state. Yakubu revealed that 111 domestic and international organizations have been accredited to deploy 3,554 election observers, along with over 100 media organizations, marking a significant turnout for this off-cycle election. The INEC Chairman assured all stakeholders that accreditation materials for election observers, media personnel, and political party agents were ready for distribution.
Furthermore, Yakubu underscored the Commission's commitment to the use of technology in the election, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter authentication and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the transparent upload of election results. He also spoke of a successful mock accreditation held in 12 polling units across the state as part of the final preparations.
Security measures for a peaceful election
A major theme of the meeting was the role of security in ensuring a smooth electoral process. Representing the Inspector General of Police, AIG Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi addressed the gathering, underscoring the critical role of security agencies in safeguarding the integrity of the election. A total of 22,239 police officers, supported by other security personnel, will be deployed across Ondo State to maintain law and order before, during, and after the election.
Asabi urged all stakeholders, particularly political parties and their supporters, to maintain peace and adhere to the rule of law. He warned that any form of electoral violence or attempts to undermine the process would be met with severe consequences, including prosecution. He also called on the media and election observers to report accurately and responsibly, helping to foster a peaceful atmosphere throughout the election period.
Collaboration among stakeholders
Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC’s National Commissioner for Ondo State, stressed the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure a credible election. He commended the work done by INEC, highlighting improvements in logistics, training, and voter education, while also emphasizing the need for political parties and their candidates to campaign based on ideas, not violence. Ajayi called for an election free of manipulation, voter intimidation, and inflammatory rhetoric, urging all political actors to act with professionalism and respect for the electorate.
Acknowledging the vital role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting peace, Ajayi thanked them for their ongoing efforts to dissuade violence and political thuggery within their communities. Similarly, he expressed gratitude to civil society organizations and the media for their contribution to election observation and voter education, noting that their independence and vigilance were essential to ensuring transparency.
INEC’s final preparations
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, provided a detailed overview of the final preparations for the election. She confirmed that 64,273 PVCs had been distributed, and that all the necessary election materials were in place, including the 4,002 BVAS machines to be deployed to polling units. Additionally, Babalola noted that training for electoral officers had been completed, and that election materials would begin arriving in the state next week in preparation for distribution to Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner also reiterated that security agencies had assured INEC of adequate protection for electoral staff, voters, and materials. She reminded attendees that the election would take place under the strict supervision of the law, with security forces committed to neutrality and professionalism.
Looking ahead to the peace accord
The meeting also set the stage for the signing of the Peace Accord scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024, which will be presided over by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), Chairman of the National Peace Committee. The Peace Accord will formalize a commitment by political parties and their candidates to uphold peace and refrain from violence during the election process.
In conclusion, the INEC leadership, security agencies, and other stakeholders reiterated their commitment to a peaceful, fair, and credible election. With all systems in place and extensive collaboration between INEC, security agencies, political parties, and civil society, the stage is set for the Ondo State Governorship Election, which will be closely watched by both national and international observers.
