The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu is currently hosting a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Akure in preparation for the November 16, 2024, Ondo State Governorship Election.
The meeting is geared towards getting insights and feedback from the stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming election.
Representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, traditional leaders, and the media, are attending the meeting.
In his remarks, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, the Supervising National Commissioner for Ondo State, called on all stakeholders to work together, saying, “The people of Ondo State deserve an election that reflects their will.”
Prof. Ajayi assured attendees of INEC’s technological advancements for transparency, specifically the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“We are committed to leveraging technology to prevent manipulation, to ease the process for voters, and to deliver results with accuracy and speed,” he said.
Addressing political parties and candidates, he urged them to act responsibly, stating, “Elections are not a zero-sum game…inflammatory rhetoric, voter intimidation, or attempts to manipulate the process will not be tolerated by the Commission.”
Prof. Ajayi stated that security officials would be present solely “to maintain peace and protect all individuals involved in the process.”
Prof. Ajayi also commended traditional and religious leaders for advocating peace, saying, “Through your influence and respect within communities, you have consistently promoted messages of peace, tolerance, and unity.”
He praised the media’s role in educating the public, stressing, “As conveyors of information, we depend on your professionalism, accuracy, and impartiality.”
Prof. Ajayi concluded with a call for unity, urging everyone to uphold democratic principles ahead of the election, saying: “The eyes of the nation will be on Ondo State come November 16.
“Let us make this election a positive example.”