By Jubril Bada & Bayonle Roland

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Political leaders in Ondo State have identified intimidation and violence among other factors aggravating lower voter turnout during elections.
The State Deputy Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Mr. Olaide Rasheed who spoke to the issue however called on government to embark on political enlightenment as a matter of urgency to liberate Nigerians from what he described as political illiteracy.
He explained that government at all levels should orientate people on the need to exercise their franchise and understand the need to vote during polls.
Expressing optimism on how the issue of vote-buying could be reduced in the country, Rasheed said youths should be educated not to sell their votes.
He added that symposium must as well be organised across communities in the country to checkmate factors responsible for this.
The State Chairman, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Dr. Ajibola Falaiye, called for adequate attention on electorate’s apathy to bring reduction in low voter’s turnout during election.
He pointed out the failure of politicians to fulfil their campaign promises after their victory during election as another factor discouraging people from voting.
On her part, the State Chairman, Inter-Africa Committee, Mrs. Margaret Adebayo, emphasized on regular enlightenment programme for general public and seminar for stakeholders on the need to understand their rights to uphold moral conduct.
She called for the need to organise public enlightenment for community and opinion leaders at various levels on how people can defend their right to fight against intimidation and violence before, during and after election, adding that individuals should be encouraged to get their voter’s card.
Also, the police Public Relation Officer in the state, Mr. Tee-Leo Ikoro, noted security of lives and property before, during and after election are essential service that must be provided to encourage massive turnout of electorate during election.
On 2023 general election, the police force, he said would continue to organise training and retraining of its men on electoral process for the polls to be free, fair and credible.
The spokesperson, noted misbehaviours of some electorate which include the violation of electoral law and inducement of voters by politicians as major challenges faced by police during election.
According to him “ the heavy security presence is to maintain law and order not fear during election except in some regions prone to violence.