The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that candidates in the upcoming Ondo State governorship elections will sign a peace accord on November 8.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who announced this during a quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations in Abuja on Thursday, said the peace signing ceremony is facilitated by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The signing aims to ensure candidates pledge to a peaceful, violence-free election before the November 16 poll.
He also said that nearly 72 per cent of registered voters had 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 highlighted the importance of contributions from civil society, emphasising their role in promoting peaceful elections.