The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the National Peace Committee has fixed November 8 for political parties to sign Peace Accord ahead of the gubernatorial election in Ondo state.
The Ondo State Governorship Election is scheduled for November 16. The peace signing exercise is aimed at securing a peaceful election process.
In her fourth quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, while seeking to ensure security and peaceful election conduct stated that the commission has identified potential flashpoints in Ondo and alerted security agencies for effective conflict mapping.
“On this note, I am also glad to announce that the National Peace Committee, under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GFCR, is holding the signing of the Peace Accord for parties and candidates in Ondo State on Friday, November 8, 2024,”
“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
Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alledge that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is trying to incite violence in the state, they noted that they had established centers across the state to harbor thugs intended to create security disturbances during the election period. They called the attention of security agencies to be alert.
Responding, the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the accusations asnd described it as unfounded, labeling them a “mere figment of imagination.”
Although a total of 17 parties are contesting in the governorship race, the APC and the PDPseems to be the most recognized. Following the recent victory in the Edo poll, the APC is being hopeful it will also achieve same in Ondo following comments by it’s leaders.
On their part, a non-governmental organisation, Yiaga Africa has said the off-circle governorship election will be monitored by 324 observers.
