Ondo Election: Candidates Sign Peace Accord

In preparation for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, political parties and their candidates have pledged to uphold peace by signing a peace accord. The ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee and led by former Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar, took place on Friday at Akure’s International Culture and Event Centre.

Key political parties in attendance included the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), among others. Addressing the candidates, Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), called on them to remain committed to peaceful conduct, stressing the importance of implementation.

“Your commitment to a peaceful election is vital,” Yakubu emphasized. He also noted that INEC had taken additional steps to resolve logistical issues, ensuring smooth movement of over 17,000 election officials and materials to the state’s 4,154 voting and collation centers. Special logistical arrangements, including boats for riverine areas like Ese Odo and Ilaje, and vehicles for other regions, were put in place.

Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sylvester Abiodun disclosed that over 34,000 officers, supported by additional security agencies, would be deployed to safeguard the election process in all 18 local government areas.

The National Peace Committee Chairman also urged candidates to avoid violence and maintain sportsmanship, reinforcing peace as essential for credible leadership. On behalf of the candidates, Ondo State Governor and APC candidate Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed commitment to the peace accord, calling for continued tranquility throughout the election period and beyond.