The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called for a peaceful and credible gubernatorial election in Ondo State, set to take place on November 16, 2024.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Thursday, Yakubu assured the public of INEC’s commitment to a transparent election, outlining the commission’s preparations, including voter registration and the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). He disclosed that INEC has published detailed information on collected and uncollected PVCs across Ondo State’s 3,933 polling units, anticipating over 2 million registered voters.
Yakubu also highlighted the security arrangements for the election, emphasizing the safety of voters, media personnel, and observers. INEC has collaborated with security agencies to implement a comprehensive security plan for the event.
INEC National Commissioner, Professor Kunle Ajayi, urged political parties to conduct themselves responsibly, promoting democracy through respectful competition focused on ideas and vision rather than hostility.
To enhance election integrity, INEC will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The commission has accredited 111 domestic and international organizations, with 3,554 observers and over 100 media outlets set to monitor the election.
The Inspector-General of Police, represented by AIG Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, reaffirmed the critical role of security, announcing the deployment of 22,239 police officers, alongside personnel from other security agencies. He urged all stakeholders, including candidates and their agents, to avoid violence and adhere to democratic norms, stressing that any violation of electoral laws would lead to strict prosecution.
