President Bola Tinubu has called for a violence-free governorship election in Ondo State and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its readiness 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 Friday statement.
“President Tinubu anticipates a democratic process in the state that will genuinely reflect the people’s will and power to freely choose their leaders.”
Tinubu lauded INEC for its preparedness for the election and that of security personnel who have assured of a peaceful poll.
“He also acknowledges the deployment of security men to maintain law and order. He appreciates the assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that the personnel will act professionally and adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible electoral process.
“President Tinubu reminds all political stakeholders, especially the candidates, that the people bestow the privilege to govern, and this right must be respected and not undermined.
“He emphasises that it is in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure a free and fair election and consolidate our over 25 years of democratic governance.”
The Ondo governorship election is billed for Saturday, and incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is in contention. He will battle it out with his main rivals, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) among others.
Ondo state is ruled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has 18 local government areas. INEC on Friday distributed sensitize materials across the state.
Earlier, candidates signed a peace accord ahead of the election.