'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, has called on political parties in Ondo State to prioritize the peaceful co-existence of the state's citizens to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process. Professor Yakubu emphasized that such an environment would be critical to the timely movement of election materials to polling units on election day.
The INEC Chairman made the call during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of his tour of several Local Government Areas in Ondo State. The tour was part of the Commission’s efforts to assess the preparations for the November 16 off-cycle governorship election, including the ongoing Mock Accreditation exercise.
Professor Yakubu stressed that the peaceful co-existence of all stakeholders—political parties, the electorate, and other community members—was a key factor in ensuring the success of the election. He pointed out that a peaceful environment would facilitate the timely distribution of sensitive election materials to designated polling points across the state.
“The success of any election depends not only on the preparedness of the electoral officers but also on the cooperation of all stakeholders. A peaceful atmosphere is essential for the movement of materials and for ensuring that election day proceeds without major disruptions,” Yakubu stated.
The INEC Chairman also highlighted the importance of early resumption of polling units on election day, urging that all necessary measures be taken to ensure that the election process begins promptly and proceeds smoothly without delays.
During the tour, Yakubu commended the efforts of the electoral officers at the Local Government level, praising their level of readiness and commitment to conducting a credible election. He reassured the public that sensitive election materials would be available and dispatched in a timely manner to ensure a seamless voting process.
In a related development, Professor Yakubu held a meeting with representatives of the Road Transport Workers Union in Ondo State. The meeting focused on deliberating strategies to ensure the smooth and timely movement of both election materials and voters on election day. The INEC Chairman acknowledged the crucial role of the transport sector in facilitating the logistics of the election, especially in ensuring that materials reach all polling stations without delay.
“We are engaging with all stakeholders, including the transport unions, to ensure that there is a coordinated effort in getting election materials to the right places on time and that voters are able to cast their ballots without hindrance,” Yakubu explained.
As the state prepares for the governorship election, Yakubu reiterated INEC's commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, urging all stakeholders to play their part in making the electoral process peaceful and orderly.
The upcoming election in Ondo State is expected to be keenly contested, and the Commission’s proactive measures in addressing logistics, security, and stakeholder collaboration will be crucial to ensuring a smooth and transparent election process.
