As the Ondo State Governorship Election approaches, scheduled for November 16, political parties are set to participate in a Peace Accord signing on November 8. This initiative, coordinated by the National Peace Committee and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aims to ensure a peaceful election process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the upcoming event on Thursday in Abuja. He highlighted that the Commission has identified potential flashpoints in Ondo State and has alerted security agencies to facilitate effective conflict mapping. During the fourth quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Prof. Yakubu indicated that INEC would conduct a final readiness assessment next week involving stakeholders, officials, security agencies, and transport providers.
He also reported that the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) collection period recently concluded, with 64,273 out of 89,777 PVCs distributed, reflecting a collection rate of 71.6%. The INEC Chairman commended CSOs for their role in mobilizing voters for card collection, stating that INEC plans to publish cumulative PVC collection figures by polling unit on its website.
Prof. Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the improvements made to the voter accreditation process and result upload procedures. He noted enhancements in media and observer accreditations, as well as logistical adjustments for the movement of personnel and materials to both land and riverine locations, ensuring a prompt start and smooth management of voting and results on Election Day.