The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared that candidates in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship elections will sign a peace agreement on November 8.
Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, who reported this during a quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organizations in Abuja , said the peace signing ceremony is worked with by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The signing aims to guarantee candidates pledge to a peaceful, viciousness free political race before the November 16 poll.
He additionally said that almost 72% of registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards.
“On this note, I am also glad to announce that the National Peace Committee, under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar GFCR, is holding the signing of the peace accord for parties and candidates in Ondo State on Friday, November 8, 2024,” he noted.
The INEC Chairman likewise unveiled that the INEC had planned a mock accreditation exercise in selected polling units for November 6, to test result uploads on its result viewing portal.
INEC would conduct a final evaluation of logistical arrangements and team up with security agencies to address likely flashpoints within the state.
Yakubu noted that the commission was planning with security agencies to forestall viciousness before, during and after the election.
“Be that as it may, we are aware of flashpoints in some local government areas to which we have already drawn the attention of the security agencies,” the INEC chairman said.
He called on CSOs that observed the recent Edo State governorship election to present their reports quickly.
“As the Ondo State governorship election approaches, I wish to remind CSOs that are yet to submit reports for the Edo State governorship election to do so in earnest,” he said.
“As early as next week, the commission will undertake a final readiness assessment of our preparations for the Ondo election, meet with our officials, engage with stakeholders and interact with the security agencies and transport providers,” he said.
He highlighted the significance of contributions from civil society, accentuating their role in advancing tranquil elections.
