Political parties and candidates in Ondo State have officially agreed to a peace pact in preparation for the governorship election scheduled for November 16. The signing ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee and led by former Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar, occurred on Friday at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, the state capital.
Among those who participated in the peace accord were representatives from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Action Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party, among others.
During the event, Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Mahmood Yakubu urged candidates and their parties to ensure a peaceful election process. He emphasized the importance of their dedication to implementing the accord and asked them to encourage their supporters to adhere to it as well.
Yakubu also mentioned that the commission has taken steps to alleviate challenges typically faced on election day, particularly logistical issues. He highlighted his recent discussions with officials, security agencies, and transport providers in Ondo State to prepare for the movement of over 17,000 personnel and significant materials to 4,154 voting and collation sites.
He noted that delivery in the riverine areas of Ese Odo and Ilaje will be conducted by boat, while trucks, four-wheel drive vehicles, and motorcycles will be used on the mainland. He assured that voters could anticipate noticeable improvements in both election day logistics and result management.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sylvester Abiodun, representing the Inspector General of Police, reported that more than 35,000 officers have been assigned to secure all 18 local government areas, with additional support from personnel from other security agencies, bringing the total to 43,157.
He detailed that a comprehensive operational plan has been developed, involving the deployment of 34,657 police officers to polling stations, collation centers, and other strategic locations, ensuring that each polling unit has four police officers on duty.
Abdusalam Abubakar, the chair of the NPC, called on politicians to fully embrace the spirit of the peace accord by rejecting violence and intimidation. He stressed the importance of displaying sportsmanship as a foundational quality of effective leadership.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and the APC governorship candidate spoke on behalf of the candidates, pledging to adhere to all electoral laws and regulations. He expressed hope for a peaceful election period and encouraged other parties to follow his example.
