The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties, candidates and voters to ensure peaceful conduct before, during and after the 2027 general election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal at a major stakeholders meeting on Thursday at the commission’s offices in Akure South and North Local Government Areas.

Political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) and other drivers’ unions, among others, were present.

Mr Agboke, who visited the traditional ruler of Iju and Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area, said the stakeholders meeting became necessary to ensure the forthcoming election was free, fair and credible.

According to him, credible elections are a collective responsibility, and security, traditional institutions, and transport unions all play a critical role in protecting voters, officials, and election materials.

The REC, who said INEC would remain neutral and transparent, warned that the commission would not tolerate partisan leaning, vote-buying, intimidation or any act capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

“This advocacy is for the commission and our major stakeholders to be on the same page because our expectation is to let votes count.

“The recent elections conducted by INEC are enough proof to show that people’s votes determine the direction of who wins.

“Meanwhile, we don’t want them to engage in violence; nobody should allow him or herself or wards to be used for violence and desist from engaging in vote buying.

“It is only votes lawfully cast and duly counted that would determine winners,” he said.

He, therefore, assured that INEC officials had been trained to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act and its guidelines, while the commission’s doors remained open for questions and clarifications to avoid misinformation.

Mr Agboke reiterated INEC’s promise of neutrality, saying that preparations for the 2027 general elections had already begun in earnest.

According to the REC, the success recorded in recent by-elections in the state will be built upon to deliver free, fair and inclusive polls that reflect the will of the people.

In their separate responses, Oba Idowu Faborode, the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu; Oba Amos Farukanmi, the Okiti of Iju; and religious leaders pledged to sensitise their subjects and congregations on non-violence.

Also, Dr Gbenga Jemiloye, Akure South Local Government Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), applauded the commission for the meeting, saying it showed INEC was ready for the election.

Security agencies and drivers’ unions assured adequate deployment across the state, while transport unions committed to timely movement of personnel and materials. 

(NAN)