….Charge Politicians must maintain decorum.
The Coalition Of INEC Accredited Election Observer Groups For The Ondo State Governorship Election, has expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has the capacity to conduct credible governorship election on Saturday in Ondo State.
The Coalition’s Team Leader, Comrade Fidelis Nweke and the Team Secretary,
Hon. Rosxywhite A., stated this in Akure, the State capital on Thursday at a Pre-election Press Conference.
The Coalition Leader also charged INEC to provide a level playing field for all candidates, while urging the political class to maintain decorum before, during and after the election.
Reading the press conference Text, the Coalition Team Leader, Comrade Fidelis Nweke said “we have no doubt whatsoever, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will live up to the expectations of not only the people of Ondo State but Nigerians at large.
“The electoral management body, INEC must be above board by providing a level playing ground to all the political parties and must be seen to be so.
“The intense scrutiny occasioned by this focus, usually creates immense pre-election tension, in any democratic state, it is always necessary that elections comply with stipulated rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth power transition in line with democratic principles and global best practices, which is the essence of accrediting civil society organizations to observe any election.
“The intention is to be able to access the degree of compliance of the electoral management body, political parties and their supporters as well as security agencies to the relevant laws as provided by the constitution and the electoral laws of the country, In other words, the rights of citizens is said to have been violated when there’s a variance and disconnect between the electoral processes and the requisite guidelines governing the conduct of any election.
“The manipulation of any electoral process leads to the emergence of an unpopular candidate as it is done against the wishes of the electorate, it is therefore an anathema and anti-democratic, as such acts are against civilized conduct by all standards.
“Statistics from 2019 estimated that over 626 Nigerians lost their lives due to election related violence while 109 person’s met their untimely end, leading up to the just concluded 2023 general elections.
“From statistics available, ondo state citizens have always demonstrated exemplary behavior during elections and this is yet another opportunity to further advance the course of democracy and the rule of law and order.
“It is therefore our contention that politicians must change their attitude to public office and follow the path of sanity and decorum for the overall public good,” Nweke said.
