By Sulyman Pakoyi

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called for a free and fair election in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

This call was made during a stakeholder roundtable meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

In her welcome speech, Madam Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of CTA, emphasised that the centre strongly promotes a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election in the State.

“Ondo is a critical player and stakeholder in Nigeria in the quest for a free democracy, good governance, and sustainable development,” she said.

She urged candidates to adhere to the peace accord they signed, which aims to ensure a peaceful election and good conduct from supporters across political parties.

Madam Nwadish particularly commended INEC for its reforms in the electoral process and its willingness to address challenges, noting that the Ondo election provides an opportunity for INEC to conduct a “less contentious, free, equitable, and definitive election.”

Additionally, she called on security agencies to perform their constitutional duties professionally, without infringing on citizens’ rights.

During the meeting, Captain Aliyu Usman, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, Ondo State, assured that the Nigerian Navy would support the secure movement of election materials and staff to polling units in coastal areas to ensure a credible election.

Mr. Yusuf Oduwayo, Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State Command, stated that the agency has deployed 6,000 personnel to assist the Nigerian Police Force in securing critical infrastructure against vandalism during and after the election.

He added that the corps has set up a situation room to monitor the election, and the public can reach the room through designated numbers: 08075534103 and 08034978535.

According to Mrs. Olayide Ademeso, a representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the agency has trained its officers and will prevent infiltration by non-Nigerians in the election process.

The role of the media in sensitising the public on electoral processes was highlighted, and a representative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) mentioned that the agency has actively worked to raise awareness on the dangers of vote-buying in the election