.…… PRAISE REC’S CREDIBILITY, IMPARTIALITY AS INEC MEETS PARTIES AHEAD OF ONDO GUBER POLL.
Major candidates in the coming governorship election in Ondo State have commended the diligence and commitment of the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, towards the conduct of a credible governorship election in the State.
The commendation came as the electoral body held a stakeholders consultative meeting with the political parties and governorship candidates participating in the November 16 election in Akure, the State capital, on Thursday.
Leading the commendation was the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, Dr. Abbas Mimiko, who praised Mrs. Babalola for her dedication to the electoral process with transparency.
Considered as the third force in the coming election, the ZLP candidate said: “Mrs. Babalola has shown great diligence and commitment to her duties. We in the ZLP are not calling for her redeployment, as we have full confidence in her impartiality and the integrity of her work.”
Expressing his trust in INEC, he added: “I am confident that INEC will deliver as expected. We believe they are fully prepared to ensure a transparent, credible election that will truly reflect the will of the people. I urge all stakeholders to have faith in INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.”
Some of the other candidates echoed Mimiko’s statement, urging the electoral body to sustain ongoing efforts towards the conduct of a free and fair election in the State.
Speaking during the event, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is also the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressed the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process.
“Elections will come and go, but Ondo State will remain. It is our duty to preserve the peace we currently enjoy,” the Governor stated.
Aiyedatiwa urged all candidates to prioritise unity and stability, saying, “I appeal to my fellow candidates to see beyond the immediate contest and focus on the long-term peace and prosperity of our state.”
He went on to commend stakeholders for their efforts, adding, “I sincerely appreciate the commitment shown by all those working to uphold peace in Ondo. Your responsible actions have been vital to ensuring a stable and peaceful environment for all.”
