.Residents upbeat as INEC, security agencies assure of peaceful conduct

By Kayode Olabanji & Kayode Afolabi

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, President Bola Tinubu has called on all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and fulfil their civic responsibilities without any fear.

The President made this appeal in a State House statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday.

The statement noted that during Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo, Tinubu anticipates a “democratic process in the state that will genuinely reflect the people’s will and power to freely choose their leaders.”

It added, “As Ondo State prepares for its off-cycle governorship election, President Bola Tinubu urges all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and decorum, and fulfil their civic responsibilities without fear before or after the elections.

“President Tinubu anticipates a democratic process in the state that will genuinely reflect the people’s will and power to freely choose their leaders,”

Tinubu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its swift preparations, and the deployment of security operatives to maintain law and order in the state.

“The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its diligent preparations for the election, particularly its timely distribution of sensitive materials across all 18 local government areas in the state.

“He also acknowledges the deployment of security men to maintain law and order. He appreciates the assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that the personnel will act professionally and adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible electoral process.

“President Tinubu reminds all political stakeholders, especially the candidates, that the people bestow the privilege to govern, and this right must be respected and not undermined.

“He emphasises that it is in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure a free and fair election and consolidate our over 25 years of democratic governance,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, excited residents of Ondo State are set to head to the poll today in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive governorship election.

With 18 political parties vying for the seat, the contest is widely seen as a decisive moment for the state.

Already, INEC has reassured the public of its readiness to deliver a credible election, urging voters to come out en masse to exercise their civic rights.

Recall that on Thursday, INEC distributed sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas under tight security.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, who oversaw the process, assured stakeholders of transparency and the timely delivery of materials, even to the riverine and remote areas.

She noted that representatives of political parties, security agencies, and election monitors were present to ensure accountability.

In Akure, the state capital, residents expressed readiness to participate in the election, with many emphasising the need for peaceful conduct.

Some voters, who spoke with The Hope, urged their fellow citizens to see the process as a democratic exercise rather than a do-or-die affair.

Also in Okitipupa, the Electoral Officer, Mr Fakorede Adedayo, confirmed the arrival of the materials, emphasising that final preparations were underway to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.

Residents in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government area, were observed making last-minute preparations as security personnel maintained a visible presence to reassure voters.

A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that security agents from neighbouring states had been deployed to Ondo since Wednesday to support local efforts in ensuring a free and fair election.

The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Officers have been deployed to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units across the state.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the election, Sylvester Alabi, assured the public of the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that anyone caught violating the Electoral Act, 2023, would face prosecution.

At least four officers, alongside personnel from other security outfits, had been assigned to each polling unit.

Alabi disclosed that a comprehensive threat assessment had been conducted, leading to the deployment of officers to identified hotspots.

He added that intelligence gathering and proactive measures had been implemented to prevent electoral malpractices, including vote-buying and violence.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has also deployed 2,500 personnel to manage traffic and ensure smooth mobility during the election, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assigned 6,000 officers for added security. Military personnel have also been placed on standby to provide additional support where necessary.

INEC and security agencies have given assurances that everything has been put in place for a seamless exercise.

Residents are expected to make their voices heard through the ballot, with the election expected to serve as a litmus test for the state’s political future.

As the state braces for this significant political exercise, all eyes are on the electorate to determine Ondo’s next leader in a contest that promises to be both intense and closely watched.