By Remilekun Oyelowo
As the countdown to the Ondo State Governorship election begins, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, addressed a large gathering of stakeholders on November 7, 2024, at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
This meeting which precedes the elections set for November 16, has been marked by calls for collaboration among political parties, security agencies, and civil society to ensure a transparent and secure electoral process.
In his opening remarks, Professor Yakubu emphasized the importance of the stakeholders’ meeting, stating that it serves as a platform to engage with all parties involved in the electoral process, including political candidates, law enforcement agencies, election observers, and the media. Highlighting the traditional nature of such gatherings, he expressed gratitude for the attendance of key figures, including the Inspector-General of Police, traditional leaders, and representatives from various political parties.
With just over a week until the election, Yakubu outlined the critical timelines leading up to the event, noting that the last day for political campaigns will conclude at midnight on November 14, 2024.
He reassured the audience that the commission has successfully completed numerous electoral activities leading to the election, including voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), a necessary step towards facilitating a smooth voting process.
INEC has made significant strides in ensuring that the electorate is well-prepared and informed. As evidence of this commitment, a comprehensive report detailing the status of PVCs—both collected and uncollected—was uploaded to INEC’s website just days prior to the meeting. An information booklet was presented to stakeholders outlinimg the demographics of the 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, showcasing a commitment to transparency and accessibility.
A major highlight of the upcoming Ondo State Governorship election is the international and domestic interest it has sparked. Professor Yakubu announced that 111 organizations have been accredited to observe the election, deploying a total of 3,554 observers. The media has also played a crucial role, with over 100 accredited organizations contributing approximately 700 personnel, which includes a notable presence of female journalists, marking a significant achievement for Nigeria’s electoral process.
As part of INEC’s assurance to stakeholders, accreditation cards for all election participants, including candidates’ agents and election duty vehicle stickers, are now ready for distribution. This proactive measure aims to streamline the election process and enhance security measures on the ground.
In addressing security concerns, Professor Yakubu mentioned the collaborative engagements with law enforcement agencies, underscoring the paramount importance of safety during the election. He reiterated INEC’s commitment to providing a secure environment that guarantees the personal safety of voters, observers, and officials. “The protection of our citizens is non-negotiable,” he asserted, calling for unity among all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
In light of recent challenges faced in previous elections, Yakubu’s appeal for collective efforts resonated strongly with attendees. The success of the upcoming Ondo State Governorship election is envisaged not just as a local event, but as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic values on a larger scale.
As the Ondo State electorate prepares to cast their votes, the call for peace, security, and collaborative engagement remains at the forefront of INEC’s agenda.
The upcoming elections hold promise, underpinned by a strong commitment to transparency, security, and inclusivity, setting the stage for a democratic process reflective of the will of the people.
The eyes of the nation—and indeed, the world—are turned towards Ondo State as it approaches this significant electoral milestone.
