The International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc., a foreign observer group, has validated the outcome of the recent governorship election in Ondo State, affirming that the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission reflect the records from the ballot boxes at polling units.
In a statement presented in Akure, Mr. Oscar David, the group’s spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisation for the African Regional Command, described the election as peaceful, transparent, credible, and largely free of significant incidents or complaints from party agents.
David emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, urging candidates and political actors to seek legal redress for any disputes and to avoid actions that could lead to unrest.
“The IPCSL mission commends the people of Ondo State for their conduct and cooperation with our team members across the local government areas, political parties, and stakeholders, which created an enabling environment for a successful election. This reflects patriotism and a commitment to democratic culture,” he stated.
He further stressed the need for all stakeholders to prioritize democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
David lauded INEC for its efforts, particularly in improving staff training, the handling of election equipment, and the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. He noted that BVAS functioned well overall, aside from a few isolated technical challenges.
The observer group also praised the professionalism of security agencies during the election. While military presence was limited to border areas and potential flashpoints, the police and civil defense corps effectively secured polling units and streets.
The IPCSL deployed 50 directors and collaborated with 20 domestic observer organizations, mobilizing 200 officials across all 18 local government areas of the state. Their observations included:
– Polling Unit Operations: Most polling units opened on time, though a few faced delays due to logistical issues, particularly with transportation.
– Voter Turnout: Turnout varied widely, with some areas experiencing low morale due to economic hardship and diminished political interest.
– Vote Trading and Violence: Incidents of vote trading were recorded. A violent episode in Idanre involved a man being stabbed after allegedly snatching ballot boxes.
To strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, the IPCSL recommended intensified voter education and greater engagement between INEC, political parties, and civil society organizations. They also urged a review of electoral laws to address persistent challenges and improve security measures to combat voter suppression.
“The mission asserts, without fear of contradiction, that the final results declared by INEC truly reflect the records of the ballot boxes at polling units. IPCSL commends the collaboration between international and domestic observers and encourages continued improvements to Nigeria’s electoral processes,” David said.
The observer group highlighted the competitiveness between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, noting the minimal presence of other political parties in the election.
David concluded by emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy. He praised the professionalism and collaboration among international and domestic observers during the election process.
“The commitment of Ondo citizens and the dedication of stakeholders showcase a promising path for democratic advancement. All parties must now focus on building a stronger, united Nigeria,” he said.
