The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that candidates in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship elections will sign a peace accord on November 8.
During a quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organizations in Abuja on Thursday, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated that the peace signing ceremony is organized by the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The ceremony aims to ensure that candidates commit to conducting a peaceful and violence-free election ahead of the November 16 poll.
He also noted that nearly 72 percent of registered voters have 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.
He also disclosed that the INEC had scheduled 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 assessment of logistical arrangements and collaborate with security agencies to address potential flashpoints in the state.
Yakubu noted that the commission was coordinating with security agencies to prevent violence before, during and after the election.
“However, 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 promptly submit their reports.
“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 noted.
“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.
Yakubu underscored the significance of civil society contributions, emphasizing their vital role in fostering peaceful elections.