President Bola Tinubu called on political stakeholders and the electorate in Ondo State to maintain peace and exercise their civic duties without fear ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The President’s appeal was conveyed in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday.
He urged all parties to respect the democratic process, ensuring it genuinely reflects the people’s will.
“As Ondo State prepares for its off-cycle governorship election, President Bola Tinubu urges all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and decorum, and fulfill their civic responsibilities without fear before or after the elections,” the statement read.
Commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efficient preparations, President Tinubu highlighted the timely distribution of sensitive electoral materials across all 18 local government areas of the state.
He also praised the deployment of security operatives to ensure a peaceful process.
“The President commends INEC for its diligent preparations for the election, particularly its timely distribution of sensitive materials.
He also acknowledges the deployment of security personnel to maintain law and order.
The assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that their teams will act professionally and adhere to the Electoral Act are appreciated,” the statement noted.
President Tinubu further reminded candidates and political stakeholders that governance is a privilege granted by the people, urging them to respect the electorate’s right to freely choose their leaders.
“It is in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure a free and fair election and to consolidate our over 25 years of democratic governance,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, during the distribution of sensitive materials by INEC to the 18 local government areas, representatives of political parties and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were present to oversee the process.
The Ondo governorship election is expected to test the state’s commitment to democratic principles and ensure a credible electoral process.
