In preparation for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 17 political parties and their candidates have signed a peace accord to ensure a peaceful and violence-free process.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, was organized by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Prominent parties that participated in the peace accord signing included the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), among others.
During the event, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, urged candidates and their parties to fully commit to the terms of the accord.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that supporters at all levels adhere to the agreement, stating, “Your commitment to the implementation of this peace accord is crucial. As you sign it, you must ensure that your supporters comply with its provisions.”
Yakubu also reassured stakeholders about INEC’s preparedness, highlighting efforts to address logistical challenges that have plagued previous elections.
He explained, “In the past few days, I have engaged with INEC officials, security agencies, and transport providers to finalize our arrangements for the deployment of over 17,000 ad hoc and regular staff. We have planned the movement of election materials to 4,154 voting and collation centers across the state, including the use of boats in riverine areas like Ese Odo and Ilaje, and trucks and motorcycles for mainland locations.”
He added that voters in Ondo State can expect significant improvements in election logistics and result management, promising a more efficient process on Election Day.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sylvester Abiodun announced a robust security plan for the election.
He stated that 34,657 police officers, supplemented by personnel from other security agencies, would be deployed across the 18 local government areas.
“Each polling unit will be secured by four police officers, totaling 15,732 personnel across the state’s 3,933 polling units,” Abiodun explained.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chair of the National Peace Committee, called on political leaders to honor the accord, urging them to avoid violence and intimidation.
“As politicians, you must embody the spirit of sportsmanship, which is a fundamental aspect of good leadership,” he said. He also praised the efforts of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for maintaining peace in the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is also the APC governorship candidate, spoke on behalf of the candidates, pledging to follow the election laws and uphold the peace accord.
He expressed hope that the calm atmosphere witnessed during the signing ceremony would continue throughout the election period, urging other candidates to commit to a peaceful process as well.