Ondo Election: Parties To Sign Peace Accord Next Week – INEC Chair Confirms

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed that all political parties are scheduled to engage in a Peace Accord signing on November 8, 2024, in preparation for the Ondo State Governorship Election set for November 16.

Yakubu disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, stating that the Commission has pinpointed potential conflict areas in Ondo and has informed security agencies to enable effective conflict mapping.

Naija News reports that this initiative, organized by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with INEC, seeks to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

During the fourth quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Mahmood mentioned that INEC plans to conduct a final readiness assessment next week, which will involve stakeholders, officials, security agencies, and transport providers.

The INEC chairman also reported that the period for collecting Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) has recently concluded, with 64,273 out of 89,777 PVCs distributed, resulting in a collection rate of 71.6%.

He acknowledged the role of CSOs in mobilizing voters for card collection and indicated that INEC would publish cumulative PVC collection statistics by polling unit on its website.

The INEC Chairman expressed his approval of the advancements made in the voter accreditation process and the procedures for uploading results, as well as improvements in media and observer accreditations. Additional logistical arrangements, particularly concerning the movement of personnel and materials to both land and riverine areas, are being implemented to ensure the timely commencement and efficient management of voting and results on Election Day.