By Precious Oluwole

The Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its readiness for Ondo State governorship election coming up in 9 days.

This statement was made on Thursday by the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during a stakeholders meeting held at the international culture and events center, Akure (The Dome).

According to Yakubu, INEC has conducted several meetings with necessary stakeholders both at the national, State and local government levels.

He added that INEC has accredited over 100 radio, Television stations, newspapers and online media organisations, agents representing the candidates of each political parties for all the polling and collation centers across the State.

“I assure you that accreditation cards for all categories of stakeholders are ready at the State office of INEC and the distribution will soon commence.

“In our engagement with the security agencies, we told them to provide adequate security for the people during the election and we’ve received their assurance”.

He warned INEC staff that there will be punishment for erring officers, urging the media practitioners to avoid reports that can cause chaos.

In her opening remarks, the Resident Electoral Commisoner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola noted that INEC has been engaging stakeholders regularly, acknowledging their robust collaboration with INEC to ensure a free, fair, transparent credible and inclusive election.

She added that the meeting is to update the stakeholders and let them know how prepared INEC is for the election. “We have concluded 11 out of the 13 activities on the timetable of activities for the election.

“We now have a total of two million, fifty three thousand and sixty one (2,053,061)registered voters in Ondo State. Voters’ registered for the pooling units have been printed and distributed to local governments offices.

She noted that there are about 4,002 BVAS deployed for the election and 813 BVAS set aside for backup and are fully charged.

“We have been engaging in massive voters’ education and public awareness using different channels and the awareness campaign is still on going.

“All materials have been provided for the comfort of the ad-hoc staff, all externals have been trained, presiding officers and others will be trained as well. We have held several engagement with the transport union to ensure seamless movement of men and materials to polling units, collation centers. Sensitive materials will arrive on 12 of November and shall be deployed at the Central Bank”.

The National Commisoner Supervising Ogun, Ondo and Sound and Chairman, Outreach and partnership committee, Prof Kunle Ajayi stated that INEC will ensure that Ondo State record a free and fair election, urging Political candidates to comport themselves.

He noted that the process must be as legitimate as the result, voters intimidation will not be tolerated by INEC, election security is paramount to sure that voters are protected.

He charged all security personnel on professional and the media should provide a credible and accurate reportage and avoid sensationalism.

The Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 17 headquarters, Asabi Oladimeji promised that no stone will be left unturned in order to provide hitch free and condusive atmosphere during the election, stressing that over 22,000 personnel has been deployed for the election.

He encouraged all candidates to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and play by the rules and the people should approach the election with positive mind.

“We will ensure that the success recorded in Edo election will be improved upon”, he concluded.

Also speaking, Ondo State Commisoner of Police, CP Abayomi Oladipupo restated the commitment of of the police to professionalism, free, fair and credible election. “We are working in synergy with other sister agencies, the security of the State is the responsibility of everybody, both the political parties, the contestants and the people of the State.

“Volence should not have a place in the State. On the part of the police and the security agencies, we have drawn our plans, gathered intelligence as to activities that are likely to cause problems. Election will come and go peacefully without chaos”.

He Charged the political parties to continue to comport themselves very well and foot soldiers should desists from crimes.

During the event, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, expressed his expectation that all polling units across the state remain peaceful. He shared that traditional rulers in Ondo State recently held a meeting to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining peace within their domains.

Oba Aladelusi urged youth leaders to educate their followers on conducting themselves responsibly and preserving the state’s relative peace.

He reminded attendees that, ultimately, there will be only one winner, and stressed the importance of unity after the election. Drawing a parallel with the recently concluded United States election, he called on all candidates to congratulate the eventual winner in a show of goodwill.

Reacting, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process. “Elections will come and go, but Ondo State will remain. It is our duty to preserve the peace we currently enjoy,” he stated.

Aiyedatiwa urged all candidates to prioritise unity and stability, saying, “I appeal to my fellow candidates to see beyond the immediate contest and focus on the long-term peace and prosperity of our state.”

He went on to commend stakeholders for their efforts, adding, “I sincerely appreciate the commitment shown by all those working to uphold peace in Ondo. Your responsible actions have been vital to ensuring a stable and peaceful environment for all.”

In attendance were: Candidates of each political parties, including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, among other eminent personalities.