The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters in Ondo State of a seamless and credible governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024.
INEC National Commissioner for Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, Professor Kunle Ajayi, gave this assurance on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today in Akure.
He said the Commission was fully prepared for the election, which will determine the next governor of the Sunshine State.
“We Won’t Disappoint Ondo Voters” – INEC
“We have done our work, we are proud of what we have done, and we will not disappoint the people of Ondo State,” Professor Ajayi declared.
The Commissioner explained that all sensitive election materials had been distributed to the state’s local government areas on Thursday.
The distribution took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Alagbaka, Akure, under the supervision of INEC officials, party agents, armed police officers, and drivers of the commercial buses hired for the exercise.
Ajayi emphasized that, unlike previous elections, every Registered Area (RA) in Ondo State had received its sensitive materials by Friday afternoon.
“I want to assure you that everything will go well,” he said.
“As of 3 pm, all the Registered Areas had their sensitive materials. The next stage is to transport these materials to the Polling Units.”
He added that he personally inspected some of the RAs to ensure readiness.
Massive Police Deployment for Security
To ensure security during the election, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed 34,000 personnel across the state.
This was disclosed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abiodun Alabi, who is in charge of election security.
DIG Alabi said the officers would cover all 3,933 polling units in Ondo, as well as the state’s wards and local government areas.
“By tomorrow, all the 3,933 polling units will be well covered,” he stated.
The deployment includes tactical units, aerial surveillance teams, and marine police to protect riverine areas.
Alabi assured the public that measures were in place to prevent infiltration by thugs or unauthorised persons.
INEC’s Commitment to Transparency
The upcoming election is being closely watched as INEC seeks to build on its performance in recent elections.
Observers have praised the Commission for its efforts to ensure timely distribution of materials and security for polling units.
INEC’s emphasis on transparency, coupled with police readiness, has raised hopes for a peaceful and credible election.
Election Day Expectations
The Ondo governorship election will see candidates from various political parties vying for the seat.
It is expected to be a tightly contested race, with voters looking forward to electing a leader who will address the state’s challenges over the next four years.
Political observers have urged voters to turn out in large numbers to make their voices heard.
“Ondo People Deserve the Best” – Police Chief
DIG Alabi called on voters to remain law-abiding and assured them of their safety throughout the process.
“Our men are ready to maintain law and order,” he said.
He also warned against any form of violence or misconduct, stating that offenders would face the full weight of the law.