Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged political gladiators and election stakeholders in the state to conduct electioneering activities peacefully and commit to free and fair elections as both the governorship and local government elections approach.

He stated that this must be done in honour of the state’s founding fathers, ensuring that Ondo continues to hold a place of pride in the political landscape of the country.

The governor gave this advice during a two-day sensitisation workshop for political parties and key election stakeholders, themed “Election Stakeholders, Grassroots Democracy, and Good Governance,” organised by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC).

He emphasised that as critical stakeholders, there is a collective responsibility to come together and promote a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent process in the upcoming local government elections.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olaide Adelami, the governor explained that the workshop marked a significant milestone in the journey towards consolidating democracy in the state, as part of preparations for the elections in the 18 local government areas of the state, scheduled by the commission for 18 January 2025.

He stated that ODIEC must be applauded for its unwavering commitment to ensuring grassroots democracy and for conducting free, fair, and credible elections, as well as organising sensitisation programmes.

He noted that this is particularly important following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the conduct of elections into local government offices.

According to him, “The SIEC is empowered to organise, undertake, and supervise all elections in the local government areas within the state.”

He continued, “This gathering resonates well with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the constitution of ODIEC, as they provide a veritable platform for election stakeholders, including individuals, groups, organisations, and communities that have an interest in the state’s electoral operations.

“We are providing good governance by addressing public concerns regarding how public institutions manage government affairs, utilise public resources, and ensure the realisation of human rights in a manner free of abuse and corruption.

“Let me assure you that, as a government, we will continue to make provisions for the needs of the commission as allowed by law and available resources.

“This is the minimum commitment we owe the commission to enable it to uphold its independence and discharge its statutory role in the overall interest of the state.”

Earlier, the Chairman of ODIEC, Dr. Joseph Aremo, highlighted that the commission, as a creation of the constitution, is responsible for conducting elections into local governments to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level and to allow the will of the people to be heard.

He noted that the workshop was organised to sensitise election stakeholders and to instil in them the understanding that the people deserve, desire, and require lasting democracy at the grassroots.

Aremo urged election stakeholders to recognise that democracy is the best option for serving the people.

The workshop featured resource persons, including Dr. Akin Oluwadaisi from the Faculty of Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, who spoke on the topic “Local Government Election, the Law, Stakeholders, and Process,” and a Professor of Political Science, who spoke on “Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots: The Roles of Stakeholders,” among others.