...as Gen Abubakar (retd) commends candidates, security forces

Gov urges credible, peaceful poll

By Jubril Bada & Adedotun Ajayi

Eighteen political parties have come together to pledge their commitment to a peaceful election in Ondo State, as their gubernatorial candidates signed a peace accord ahead of the November 16 election.

The accord-signing ceremony, held on Friday at the Dome in Akure, brought representatives from parties in a unified vow to uphold a peaceful, fair, and transparent process.

The political parties include the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Democratic Party (ADP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Others are Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Youth Party, Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, joined other candidates in signing the accord and praised the Peace Committee for its unwavering dedication to ensuring a credible election.

Aiyedatiwa commended the state’s history of peaceful elections and called on all stakeholders to preserve this stability.

“I appreciate the Peace Committee’s commitment to ensuring that we have a credible, fair, and transparent election in Ondo State. Our state has always been peaceful, and I firmly believe that we can sustain this atmosphere. The elections will come and go, but the state will remain, let us all maintain the relative peace that we enjoy and stick to the rules of the game. This is not just a commitment to today but a pledge to our future,” he stated.

In his opening remarks, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, former head of state and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, underscored the significance of the peace accord, urging candidates to respect the process and its results.

“This exercise is about our commitment to peaceful and credible elections. I urge every candidate here today to accept the outcome of the election, once the process is concluded,” he said.

General Abubakar also extended his gratitude to security forces in Ondo State, praising their efforts and reminding voters to avoid vote-selling while calling on political figures to reject vote-buying.

He noted, “To lead is to display courage, integrity, and respect for others. I believe this election will be peaceful, free, and fair, and I am hopeful that Ondo State will set a good example for the nation.”

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, delivering a goodwill message, acknowledged the Peace Committee’s role in extending the peace accord beyond presidential to gubernatorial elections.

He expressed optimism, noting that past elections in Ondo State had been peaceful and that, with collective effort, this one would follow suit. “It is heartening to see this initiative extended beyond presidential elections to gubernatorial races as well. Thus far, there have been no major incidents in Ondo State related to elections in the past, and, by the grace of God, this election will be peaceful.”

Yakubu emphasised INEC’s commitment to a fair process, adding, “On our part, we have been engaging all stakeholders to perfect our arrangements for next weekend’s election.”

He pointed out that while the peace accord is a formal commitment, its true significance lies in each candidate’s determination to abide by it.

“This document may be just a piece of paper, but the commitment of each candidate to uphold it is what truly matters.”

Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector-General Abiodun Alabi assured attendees of extensive security provisions.

He outlined that each polling unit would be secured by a minimum of five officers, and that the force would deploy helicopters, operational vehicles, and ambulances starting November 11.

He also announced movement restrictions on Election Day, ensuring police stations and barracks would be fortified to handle any potential post-election unrest.

Alabi reminded candidates of the law prohibiting canvassing on Election Day, urging them to prioritise the well-being of citizens and uphold democratic principles above personal or party interests.

Olaoluwa Adesanya, Ondo State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), commended INEC’s dedication to a credible process and appealed to journalists for responsible and factual reporting.

“The role of journalists is crucial in this process, I appeal to our media professionals to focus on factual reporting and avoid spreading unverified information. In these times, rumour-mongering can inflame tensions and jeopardise the peace we are striving to maintain. Journalists must uphold their duty to inform accurately and responsibly.”

In his vote of thanks, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the NPC convener, praised organisers and lauded attendees’ commitment to a peaceful election.

He voiced hope that the cooperation displayed would strengthen democratic values across the state.

Kukah also reminded attendees of the significant impact peace and goodwill have on national stability and progress.

With the signing of the peace accord, the participating parties and their candidates reinforced their collective pledge to foster a peaceful democratic process for the people of Ondo State.

Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Headquarters, DIG Abiodun Alabi, disclosed that 36,637 police officers would be deployed across the 3,933 polling units, 203 wards, 18 local government areas, collation centres, and other strategic points in the state.

He explained that up to four officers might be stationed at each polling unit, indicating that 15,732 personnel would be necessary to cover the 3,933 polling units and voting points.

In his words, “A total of 8,500 personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to support police operations.

“This brings the total number of security personnel assigned for the election to 43,457,” he concluded.

Also at Bagbe, the headquarters of Ondo West LCDA, the Oloja of Bagbe, Chief Valentine Omotere, expressed gratitude to the government for providing fertilizers to farmers in the area.

He appealed for more primary health centres, additional healthcare staff, and an increase in teachers for schools across the council area.

In response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa highlighted his administration’s efforts, stating, “We have already recruited 1,000 teachers for primary schools and another 1,000 for secondary schools.”

He also noted ongoing recruitment of health professionals to serve across the state’s 203 wards. “Accommodation will be arranged for resident doctors assigned to various primary health centres,” he assured.

The governor thanked the community for their warm support, encouraging them to reflect this commitment by voting on Election Day.

8 Days to Ondo Guber Election; Aiyedatiwa,
17 other contestants sign Peace Accord…as Gen Abubakar (retd) commends
candidates, security forcesGov urges credible, peaceful poll     By Jubril Bada & Adedotun Ajayi Eighteen political parties have come
together to pledge their commitment to a peaceful election in Ondo State, as
their gubernatorial candidates signed a peace accord ahead of the November 16
election. The accord-signing ceremony, held on
Friday at the Dome in Akure, brought representatives from parties in a unified
vow to uphold a peaceful, fair, and transparent process. The political parties include the
ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord
Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress
(ADC), African Democratic Party (ADP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance
(APGA). Others are Allied Peoples Movement
(APM), Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples
Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social
Democratic Party (SDP), Youth Party, Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky
Aiyedatiwa, joined other candidates in signing the accord and praised the Peace
Committee for its unwavering dedication to ensuring a credible election. Aiyedatiwa commended the state’s
history of peaceful elections and called on all stakeholders to preserve this
stability. “I appreciate the Peace Committee’s
commitment to ensuring that we have a credible, fair, and transparent election
in Ondo State. Our state has always been peaceful, and I firmly believe that we
can sustain this atmosphere. The elections will come and go, but the state will
remain, let us all maintain the relative peace that we enjoy and stick to the
rules of the game. This is not just a commitment to today but a pledge to our
future,” he stated. In his opening remarks, General
Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, former head of state and Chairman of the National
Peace Committee, underscored the significance of the peace accord, urging
candidates to respect the process and its results. “This exercise is about our
commitment to peaceful and credible elections. I urge every candidate here
today to accept the outcome of the election, once the process is concluded,” he
said. General Abubakar also extended his
gratitude to security forces in Ondo State, praising their efforts and
reminding voters to avoid vote-selling while calling on political figures to
reject vote-buying. He noted, “To lead is to display
courage, integrity, and respect for others. I believe this election will be
peaceful, free, and fair, and I am hopeful that Ondo State will set a good
example for the nation.” INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu,
delivering a goodwill message, acknowledged the Peace Committee’s role in
extending the peace accord beyond presidential to gubernatorial elections. He expressed optimism, noting that
past elections in Ondo State had been peaceful and that, with collective
effort, this one would follow suit. “It is heartening to see this initiative
extended beyond presidential elections to gubernatorial races as well. Thus far,
there have been no major incidents in Ondo State related to elections in the
past, and, by the grace of God, this election will be peaceful.” Yakubu emphasised INEC’s commitment
to a fair process, adding, “On our part, we have been engaging all stakeholders
to perfect our arrangements for next weekend’s election.” He pointed out that while the peace
accord is a formal commitment, its true significance lies in each candidate’s
determination to abide by it. “This document may be just a piece
of paper, but the commitment of each candidate to uphold it is what truly
matters.” Representing the Inspector General
of Police, Deputy Inspector-General Abiodun Alabi assured attendees of
extensive security provisions. He outlined that each polling unit
would be secured by a minimum of five officers, and that the force would deploy
helicopters, operational vehicles, and ambulances starting November 11. He also announced movement
restrictions on Election Day, ensuring police stations and barracks would be
fortified to handle any potential post-election unrest. Alabi reminded candidates of the law
prohibiting canvassing on Election Day, urging them to prioritise the
well-being of citizens and uphold democratic principles above personal or party
interests. Olaoluwa Adesanya, Ondo State
Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), commended INEC’s
dedication to a credible process and appealed to journalists for responsible
and factual reporting. “The role of journalists is crucial
in this process, I appeal to our media professionals to focus on factual
reporting and avoid spreading unverified information. In these times,
rumour-mongering can inflame tensions and jeopardise the peace we are striving
to maintain. Journalists must uphold their duty to inform accurately and
responsibly.” In his vote of thanks, Bishop
Matthew Hassan Kukah, the NPC convener, praised organisers and lauded
attendees’ commitment to a peaceful election. He voiced hope that the cooperation
displayed would strengthen democratic values across the state. Kukah also reminded attendees of the
significant impact peace and goodwill have on national stability and progress. With the signing of the peace
accord, the participating parties and their candidates reinforced their
collective pledge to foster a peaceful democratic process for the people of
Ondo State. Earlier, the Inspector General of
Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of
Police, Force Headquarters, DIG Abiodun Alabi, disclosed that 36,637 police
officers would be deployed across the 3,933 polling units, 203 wards, 18 local
government areas, collation centres, and other strategic points in the state. He explained that up to four
officers might be stationed at each polling unit, indicating that 15,732
personnel would be necessary to cover the 3,933 polling units and voting
points. In his words, “A total of 8,500
personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service,
Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal
Road Safety Corps, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to
support police operations. “This brings the total number of
security personnel assigned for the election to 43,457,” he concluded. Also at Bagbe, the headquarters of
Ondo West LCDA, the Oloja of Bagbe, Chief Valentine Omotere, expressed
gratitude to the government for providing fertilizers to farmers in the area.  He appealed for more primary health
centres, additional healthcare staff, and an increase in teachers for schools
across the council area. In response, Governor Lucky
Aiyedatiwa highlighted his administration’s efforts, stating, “We have already
recruited 1,000 teachers for primary schools and another 1,000 for secondary
schools.”  He also noted ongoing recruitment of
health professionals to serve across the state’s 203 wards. “Accommodation will
be arranged for resident doctors assigned to various primary health centres,”
he assured. The governor thanked the community
for their warm support, encouraging them to reflect this commitment by voting
on Election Day.