The Coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited Civil Society Domestic Election Observer Groups, on Tuesday, lauded stakeholders for peaceful conduct during the Ondo Governorship election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ondo Governorship election was held on Saturday Nov. 16 and Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner by INEC.
Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes, while his closest rival of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi scored 117,835 votes across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The leader of the group, Mr Muhammad Hashidu, at a news conference in Akure on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction with the entire electoral process.
He said that the conduct of the election met international standards of fairness and transparency.
Hashisdu commended INEC officials for early arrival and prompt commencement of accreditation and voting at the polling units.
He said that the coalition’s observations came from an extensive deployment of field monitors across all the 18 local government areas, who all gave positive reports about the process.
“The INEC officials arrived promptly at polling units, with voting and accreditation beginning as early as 8:00am in many locations.
“The early arrival of INEC officials, coupled with the smooth distribution of materials, played a pivotal role in ensuring that the election commenced on time across the 203 wards.
“This allowed for simultaneous accreditation and voting, which went seamlessly,’’ he said.
Hashisdu said that there was impressive voter turnout compared to previous elections in the state, as long queues were formed early at polling stations.
“Voters displayed enthusiasm in exercising their civic rights and the orderly process was maintained throughout the process, and this is commendable,” he said.
The group said that the efficient logistical management by INEC contributed to the orderliness of voters at the polling units.
Hashisu, however, recommended that more intensive grassroots advocacy and voter education be undertaken in collaboration with civil society organisations to improve voter awareness and participation in future elections.(NAN)
