By Joy Odor
Eighteen political parties have signed a Peace Accord in Ondo State for the gubernatorial election to promote a peaceful upcoming poll.
General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee in his address at the signing said the significant development aimed to ensure a violence-free electoral process.
He advised all candidates and parties to uphold democratic tenets and reject vote trading.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu Informed that no security incidents have been reported so far.
He expressed optimism about continued peace and promised improved logistics on election day, encouraging parties to commit to the signed agreement.
The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, represented by AIG Sylvester Abiodun in his speech assured readiness for the elections, deploying over 36,000 officers to secure all 18 local government areas.
According to him, the effort would be supplemented by officers from other security agencies, totaling 43,157 personnel.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended the National Peace Committee’s efforts and pledged to uphold democracy and the peace accord.
He hoped that the peaceful atmosphere can be sustained during and after the elections, urging other parties to follow suit.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has stressed the importance of maintaining order and compliance among political parties.
Addressing stakeholders ahead of the election set for Saturday, November 16, 2024, Professor Yakubu highlighted the remaining activities leading up to the election, including the final campaign period, which will conclude at midnight on Thursday, November 14.
He reassured stakeholders of INEC’s preparedness and reminded political parties of their responsibilities.
“The practice of issuing party tags without name, photograph or location of posting to party agents must stop,” warning that impersonation of agents can lead to confusion and disruption.
He urged parties to utilize the accredited tags issued by INEC, which now feature a QR code for easier identification.
Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensuring a credible election through the deployment of technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
