Ondo Election: Parties to sign peace accord November 8 - INEC

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Ondo Election: Parties to sign peace accord November 8 - INEC

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo state, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says political parties will sign a peace accord on November 8.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during a consultative meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. Yakubu stated that the initiave would be coordinated by National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Providing updates, the INEC Chairman shared that the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) collection period concluded recently, with 64,273 out of 89,777 PVCs distributed a collection rate of 71.6%. 

Prof. Yakubu expressed satisfaction with improvements in the voter accreditation process and the upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in result management.

With only two weeks until the polls, Yakubu shared that INEC has scheduled a mock accreditation exercise and result upload on November 6 in select polling units across the state. Additionally, the Commission plans to conduct a final readiness assessment next week, involving engagements with security agencies, transport providers, and local officials.

 “I want to appreciate the CSOs that helped to mobilize registered voters to collect their cards,” he said, acknowledging the significant role these organizations play in enhancing the electoral process.

Yakubu reminded CSOs of their responsibility to submit reports on the recent Edo election and encouraged them to continue advocating for peaceful campaigns in Ondo.

He emphasized the importance of adherence to INEC’s Code of Conduct for election observers, noting that violations could lead to the withdrawal of accreditation.

Prof. Yakubu’s address reflected INEC’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections, with hopes that the robust PVC collection rate will translate into high voter turnout on Election Day.