Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, candidates from 17 political parties have signed a peace accord, pledging a commitment to a peaceful electoral process.
The peace accord ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee, took place in Akure, the state capital.
Key candidates who signed the accord include Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Edema of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Bamidele Akingboye of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sola Ebiseni of the Labour Party (LP), and Abass Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), among others.
Each candidate was accompanied by the chairperson of their respective political party.
The chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, urged all candidates and political parties to uphold democratic principles and discourage vote-buying.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed optimism about a peaceful election and reassured the public of improved logistical arrangements on election day.
He also encouraged the people of Ondo State to vote responsibly and avoid selling their votes.
“It is crucial for citizens to elect their leaders without inducements or prejudice, as vote-selling undermines democracy,” Yakubu stated.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police for the South West Zone, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, assured the public of security readiness.
A total of 34,657 police officers will be deployed across polling units, wards, and strategic locations.
“The Nigeria Police will station four officers at each polling unit, amounting to 15,732 conventional police personnel across 3,933 polling units in the state,” Alabi announced.
The peace accord aims to foster a transparent and peaceful election, with all stakeholders emphasizing a commitment to democratic ideals and the welfare of Ondo State.
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