By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

The electorate in Ondo State has been urged to maintain peaceful conduct and avoid any form of misconduct before, during, and after the upcoming gubernatorial election, scheduled for 16 November 2024.

Religious leaders in Ondo South senatorial district emphasised that elections should not be approached as “do-or-die” affairs. They advised voters to go to their polling units with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cast their votes, and “leave the rest to God.”

Speaking with our correspondent, the Chief Imam of Okitipupa Division, Alhaji Kamaldeen Adeyemi-Bagudu, advised voters to resist the temptation of vote-buying, emphasising that no amount of money received on election day could sustain them for the next four years. “We should stop deceiving ourselves. Go to the polling unit and vote your conscience,” he said, highlighting this as the right path for citizens.

He further warned voters of the lasting impact that short-term financial incentives could have on the quality of governance for the next four years. “Accepting money on election day is a betrayal of the trust and responsibility we owe to our state,” he added, underscoring the need for voters to act with a sense of duty towards their communities.

Similarly, Pastor Peter Akinyelure, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Okitipupa chapter, encouraged residents of Okitipupa, its environs, and Ondo State as a whole to avoid any acts that could disrupt the peace of the state. “Cast your vote and leave,” he advised, urging voters to follow their conscience and leave the outcome in God’s hands. He also condemned the practice of vote-buying, calling for integrity in the electoral process.

Pastor Akinyelure added that the election period should be seen as a time to strengthen community bonds rather than create division. He called on all religious groups, community associations, and family units to educate and remind one another of the importance of a peaceful election. “Peace is priceless, and we cannot afford to lose it over political interests,” he said, stressing that residents should prioritise the welfare and unity of the state.

Both clerics reminded the electorate of the power of their vote, noting that every vote cast represents a voice in shaping the future of Ondo State. They urged citizens to turn out in large numbers, exercise their democratic rights responsibly, and resist any actions that could disrupt the electoral process or harm the community.