Guber poll : Ondo voters troop out to elect new governor

The stage is set for a political showdown as voters in Ondo State prepare to cast their votes in the governorship election today, Saturday, November 16.

This pivotal election will see the electorate choose a leader to steer the state for the next four years. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 candidates have been cleared to contest.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is making his first attempt to secure the mandate of the people, following his succession of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away last year. His main rival is Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former deputy to Akeredolu.

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INEC Pledges Smooth Conduct
In preparation for the election, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu assured the public of the commission’s readiness to ensure a seamless process. Speaking during a peace accord signing, he outlined the measures taken to address logistical challenges that have affected previous elections in the state.

“Over the last four days, I have engaged with our own officials, security agencies, and transport service providers here in Ondo State to assess our readiness and perfect our arrangements for the movement of over 17,000 ad hoc and regular officials as well as large quantities of materials to 4,154 voting and collation locations (3,933 polling units, 203 Ward and 18 LGA collation centres),” Yakubu said.

INEC also confirmed the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter authentication and the uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Security Measures in Place
To maintain order during the exercise, security agencies have intensified their efforts. Materials for the election have already been distributed, and a comprehensive security framework is in place, according to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

“In preparation for the elections, the IGP has deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the elections, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period,” Adejobi stated.

Vehicular movements will be restricted from 6 am to 6 pm on Election Day, with exceptions made for essential services such as ambulances, accredited media personnel, and fire services.

President Tinubu Urges Peace
Ahead of the election, President Bola Tinubu called on all stakeholders to maintain peace and commended INEC’s preparations for the exercise.

“As Ondo State prepares for its off-cycle governorship election, President Bola Tinubu urges all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and decorum and fulfil their civic responsibilities without fear before or after the elections,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.

The President expressed hope for a democratic process that truly reflects the will of the people, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections.