In a bid to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Ondo State on November 16, political parties and candidates signed a peace accord at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure on Friday.
Organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC), chaired by former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, the ceremony brought together key political players, including representatives from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Action Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party, among others.
During the signing, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, underscored the importance of the candidates’ commitment to a peaceful election process. “Your commitment to its implementation is critical. Therefore, as you sign the peace accord, you should ensure your supporters at all levels comply,” Yakubu stated.
He highlighted that INEC had made extensive preparations to address Election Day logistics challenges, emphasizing a smoother voting experience.
“Over the last four days, I have engaged with our officials, security agencies, and transport providers to assess our readiness and ensure the efficient movement of over 17,000 ad hoc and regular staff and materials to 4,154 voting and collation points across the state,” Yakubu explained. For Ondo’s riverine areas, Ese Odo and Ilaje, the commission will rely on boats, while mainland areas will use a mix of trucks, four-wheel vehicles, and motorcycles. He assured voters of improved logistical support and result management.
On security, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sylvester Abiodun, representing the Inspector General, announced the deployment of over 36,000 officers to all 18 local government areas. This deployment will be reinforced by additional personnel from other security agencies, bringing the total security force to 43,157.
Abdulsalam Abubakar, the NPC chairman, urged political actors to shun violence, emphasizing the need for sportsmanship in demonstrating good leadership. “Shun violence and intimidation, and remember that as politicians, you must demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship,” he said, commending the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for its role in maintaining stability.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC governorship candidate, expressed his commitment to respecting the election laws and sustaining peace before, during, and after the elections. Speaking on behalf of all candidates, Aiyedatiwa encouraged his counterparts to uphold the same standard of peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process.
With the peace accord signed, Ondo State voters now look to Election Day with the hope that this commitment to nonviolence will foster a secure and credible election.