In anticipation of the upcoming Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024, the European Union, through its EU-SDGN (European Union Support to Democratic Governance) programme, has endorsed a peace accord signing among the gubernatorial candidates and key stakeholders. The event, aimed at ensuring a peaceful election, was facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with EU-SDGN, the Nigeria Police Force, and other federal security agencies.
Held at The Dome International Culture and Event Centre, the Ondo Peace Accord ceremony featured notable figures such as General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the NPC Chairman and former Nigerian Military Head of State. In his welcome address, General Abubakar urged all parties involved to ensure the election is free, fair, and credible. He emphasized the importance of accepting the election results, provided they are deemed legitimate, and called for peaceful and lawful resolution of any disputes.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), highlighted the steps INEC has taken to ensure a smooth election process. He reassured voters of improved logistics on election day, citing extensive preparations over the past four days. These preparations included engagements with INEC officials, security agencies, and transport service providers to facilitate the movement of over 17,000 personnel and election materials to 4,154 voting and collation centers.
Prof. Yakubu elaborated on the logistical plans, citing the use of boats in riverine areas and a combination of trucks, four-wheel vehicles, and motorcycles in mainland areas. He expressed confidence in the significant improvements in election day logistics and result management.
Addressing the candidates and party representatives, Prof. Yakubu stressed that merely signing the Peace Accord was not enough to ensure a peaceful election. He urged the candidates to ensure their supporters adhered to peaceful electoral practices, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the Peace Accord’s implementation at all levels.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, who attended the Peace Accord signing, described the event as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. He underscored the importance of maintaining a fair, credible, and safe electoral process, framing the election as a testament to the nation’s dedication to democracy. IGP Egbetokun outlined the comprehensive security plans for the election, stating the deployment of 34,657 police officers and an additional 8,500 personnel from various national security agencies to secure the election sites. He assured that every polling unit would have sufficient security to ensure voters could exercise their rights without intimidation. He also stated that the police force had conducted an extensive threat assessment to identify potential flashpoints and coordinated efforts with other federal security services to ensure a comprehensive response plan.
Post-election, the Nigeria Police Force will continue monitoring and maintaining peace, especially during the collation and announcement of results. Security personnel will be stationed at key locations, including polling units, collation centers, and storage facilities for electoral materials. Additional security measures, such as vehicular patrols and rapid-response units, will be implemented to address any immediate threats.
IGP Egbetokun reiterated the force’s commitment to creating a safe environment where residents feel confident casting their vote. He assured that all electoral offences would be strictly addressed, aiming for a peaceful transition safeguarded by the rule of law and respect for democratic rights.
The Peace Accord is expected to bind all candidates to avoid inciting violence, support a peaceful and transparent electoral process, accept the election outcome, and seek legal redress if dissatisfied. This commitment from the candidates and stakeholders aims to set a precedent for future off-cycle elections, ensuring that peace and credibility are maintained throughout the electoral process.
