INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu In a recent consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) held in Abuja, announced that the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, will oversee a peace accord signing for candidates in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
The ceremony, scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024, aims to secure pledges from candidates to conduct a peaceful, violence-free election before the polls on November 16.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted that 72 percent of registered voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), marking significant readiness for the upcoming election.
“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.
Further preparations include a mock accreditation exercise in select polling units on November 6, which will test the uploading of results on INEC’s result viewing portal. Yakubu assured that INEC would conduct a final logistical assessment and work closely with security agencies to address potential flashpoints.
“However, we are aware of flashpoints in some local government areas to which we have already drawn the attention of the security agencies,” he said.
Yakubu also urged CSOs that observed the recent Edo State governorship election to submit their reports promptly. “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 emphasized.
He further outlined that INEC would conduct a comprehensive readiness check, meet with officials, engage stakeholders, and collaborate with security agencies and transport providers. Yakubu reiterated the vital role of civil society in ensuring peaceful elections, commending their ongoing contributions.
