In preparation for the November 16 Ondo State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that candidates will sign a peace accord on November 8.
The accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee under the leadership of former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, is intended to ensure candidates commit to a peaceful and violence-free election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this plan on Thursday during a quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations in Abuja. Yakubu also noted that nearly 72 percent of registered voters in the state have collected their Permanent Voter Cards.
“On this note, I am also glad to announce that the National Peace Committee, under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar GFCR, is holding the signing of the peace accord for parties and candidates in Ondo State on Friday, November 8, 2024,” Yakubu stated.
He further announced that INEC has scheduled a mock accreditation exercise at selected polling units for November 6 to test the result uploads on its result viewing portal.
Additionally, the commission will conduct a final logistical assessment and work with security agencies to identify and address potential flashpoints in the state.
“We are aware of flashpoints in some local government areas to which we have already drawn the attention of the security agencies,” Yakubu said, emphasizing INEC’s efforts to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.
Yakubu underscored the vital role of CSOs in promoting peaceful elections and urged those that observed the recent Edo State governorship election to submit their reports promptly.
“As the Ondo State governorship election approaches, I wish to remind CSOs that are yet to submit reports for the Edo State governorship election to do so in earnest,” he said.
He concluded by stating that INEC would conduct a final assessment next week, engaging with officials, stakeholders, security agencies, and transport providers to ensure full readiness for the Ondo election.