….Cautions INEC, Security Agencies on Neutrality.
By: Ade Adegbite
Yiaga Africa on Thursday November 14, 2024, declared that the forthcoming Saturday’s Governorship election in Ondo State represents more than just a transfer of power, but it will serve as a significant test of Nigeria’s democratic process, especially as citizens grapple with severe economic and social issues.
This is just as the organisation urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies participating in the Saturday’s election to remain neutral, shun partiality and favouritism.
The Chairman for the 2024 Ondo Election Mission, Yiaga Africa, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, stated this during a pre-election press briefing in Akure today.
Yiaga Africa also enjoined INEC to keep to its promise of making sure that election materials arrive early at various polling units in the state on Saturday.
Nwagwu said “this election represents more than just a transfer of power. It will serve as a significant test of the democratic process, especially as citizens grapple with severe economic and social issues that shape their expectations and demands from the candidates.
“Ondo State is experiencing a calm anticipation as the governorship election approaches.
“The atmosphere is filled with hope and readiness as political activities ramp up and security measures are implemented to ensure a smooth electoral process,” he said.
Yiaga Africa pointed out that everyday struggles like high inflation, increasing living costs, and the scarcity of affordable essential services could significantly impact voter sentiment.
“These economic pressures and rising unemployment rates may change citizens’ views on governance and reshape their expectations for a new administration.
“Voters seek a government committed to addressing these daily challenges and closely scrutinise candidates who promise economic diversification and job creation,” it added.
Yiaga Africa however commended the security situations in Ondo state, noting that they “have remained low, with little to no incidents reported”.
It added that the different security agencies in the state have continue to work together to maintain vigilance and ensure a peaceful election.
Yiaga Africa said further that: “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance coordination and communication with the transport companies and unions that provide logistics support.
“It is essential to ensure the timely delivery of materials to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) and to facilitate the early deployment of materials and personnel to polling units on election day.
“This approach will help to address the issue of late commencement of polls that has been observed in previous elections.”
Security agencies were charged by Yiaga Africa to arrest anyone caught engaging in vote-buying and selling for prosecution to stamp out the menace.
Nwagwu noted that the act of vote-buying and selling by politicians has greatly undermined the election process in the country.
“We encourage security agencies to strictly enforce laws and regulations against voter inducement, vote-buying, ballet box snatching and other electoral malpractices. Arrest and prosecute individuals and groups found engaging in illegal activities.”
