Ondo Governorship Race: 17 Political Parties Sign Peace Accord

Ahead of the Ondo governorship election, 17 political parties have signed a peace accord to ensure a peaceful and fair election process. The move aims to promote unity and prevent electoral violence.

Ahead of the November 16 off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, candidates from all 17 participating political parties have signed a peace accord pledging their commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

The candidates and the state party chairmen all signed the accord organized by the National Peace Committee in Akure, the state capital.

The accord was signed by several candidates, including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from the APC, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, Gbenga Edema representing NNPP, Bamidele Akingboye of SDP, Sola Ebiseni with LP, and Abass Mimiko from ZLP.

The chairman of the National Peace Committee, General, urged candidates and political parties to adhere to democratic principles and strongly oppose any form of vote trading.

Abdulsalam Abubakar emphasized the importance of preserving the current peaceful environment in the country.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), conveyed optimism about ongoing peace and promised better logistics for election day. He also mentioned that there have been no reported security incidents in the state.

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Additionally, I wish to urge the honorable residents of Ondo State to fulfill their civic responsibility by turning out in large numbers to vote for candidates they support. It’s important that they refrain from selling their votes as this undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.

Nigerian citizens continue to have the responsibility to choose their leaders without being influenced by inducements or prejudice.

“Political figures need to put an end to the dangerous practice of vote trading.”

Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, through his representative Deputy Inspector General Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, who oversees the South West Geopolitical Zone, confirmed their preparedness for the elections. He also revealed that 34,657 police officers will be assigned to ensure security during the voting process.

The Nigeria Police will assign a total of 34,657 personnel to polling units, wards/LGA collation centers, and other key locations.

It is anticipated that four police officers will be stationed at each polling unit, meaning a total of 15,732 conventional police personnel will be needed to cover the 3,933 polling units and voting locations in the state.