By Roland Bayode
In preparation for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State on November 16, political parties and their candidates have pledged to uphold peace by signing a peace accord.
The ceremony was held at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure and was organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The event witnessed the participation of major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), among others.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the importance of the peace accord, urging the candidates and parties to commit to a peaceful electoral process and ensure their supporters abide by the agreement.
Yakubu highlighted measures taken to enhance election day logistics, particularly addressing challenges in transporting materials and personnel. He explained that over 17,000 ad hoc and regular officials would be deployed across 4,154 voting and collation locations, including 3,933 polling units and several collation centers. The logistics plan involves using boats for riverine areas like Ese Odo and Ilaje, while trucks, four-wheel vehicles, and motorcycles will be utilized in mainland areas.
“We have made significant arrangements to ensure timely delivery of materials and efficient result management,” Yakubu stated, reassuring voters of improved logistics and smoother election day operations.
The Inspector General of Police, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police Sylvester Abiodun, announced the deployment of over 35,000 officers across the state to ensure security. The police force will be supported by personnel from other security agencies, bringing the total to 43,157 officers. The detailed security plan includes deploying four police officers at each of the 3,933 polling units to maintain order.
NPC Chair Abdulsalami Abubakar urged politicians to commit genuinely to the peace accord, stressing the need to avoid violence and intimidation. He called on the candidates to demonstrate sportsmanship, a vital quality of effective leadership, and praised the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC governorship candidate, assured the gathering of his commitment to adhering to the election regulations. He expressed hope that the peaceful atmosphere would continue throughout and after the election, encouraging other parties to uphold the same standard.
