Daud Olatunji
Residents of Ondo and Ogun states are set to make their voices heard today (Saturday) as they head to the polls for crucial elections.
While Ondo State is conducting its off-cycle governorship election, Ogun State residents will vote to elect chairpersons for its 20 local government areas.
The elections, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, have heightened political tension and drawn significant attention nationwide.
For Ondo, this is the first governorship poll since the demise of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, with incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking to solidify his position.
In Ogun, the focus shifts to local governance, as voters prepare to decide who will lead their councils.
… Ondo Governorship Election: A Test for INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 18 candidates for the Ondo gubernatorial race, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his major opponent, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ajayi, a former deputy governor under Akeredolu, has mounted a robust campaign to reclaim the state’s top office.
INEC has assured the public of a smooth electoral process, with Chairman Mahmood Yakubu highlighting the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter authentication and real-time upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Speaking at a peace accord signing event earlier in the week, Yakubu noted that extensive logistical arrangements were in place to ensure a seamless election across Ondo’s 4,154 voting locations.
Sensitive election materials have been distributed from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Akure branch under tight security.
“We are proud of what we have done and assure the people of Ondo State that we will not disappoint them,” said INEC National Commissioner Professor Kunle Ajayi.
… Massive Security Deployment
The elections in Ondo are being heavily policed, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying 34,000 officers to ensure security across the state.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Abiodun Alabi, who is coordinating election security, disclosed that all 3,933 polling units and local government areas would be well-covered by officers from tactical units, marine police, and aerial surveillance teams.
A curfew has been imposed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to prevent the influx of thugs and unauthorized persons. DIG Alabi warned that any attempt to disrupt the polls would be met with decisive action.
“We have intelligence that some groups are planning to import thugs from neighboring states. We will not allow anyone to truncate this process,” he stated.
President Bola Tinubu has urged Ondo residents to exercise their civic duty peacefully, commending INEC for its readiness. In a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized the need for decorum, urging stakeholders to respect the democratic process.
… Ogun Local Government Elections: Security on High Alert
In Ogun State, the local government elections have also drawn significant attention, with the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission clearing candidates from various political parties.
The state police command has put stringent measures in place to prevent electoral violence. Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu has deployed tactical squads and plainclothes officers to man flashpoints and ensure the safety of voters and election materials.
SP Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson, warned against acts such as ballot box snatching and incitement of violence.
“Anyone caught disrupting the process will be prosecuted. We urge all residents to cooperate for a peaceful election,” she said.
To facilitate smooth conduct, movement within Ogun State is restricted between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., with exceptions made for essential services.
For Ondo, this election is not just about choosing a governor but also about consolidating peace and stability after the loss of Akeredolu.
For Ogun, the polls offer an opportunity to strengthen local governance and grassroots development.
With high stakes and widespread anticipation, all eyes are on Ondo and Ogun states as residents cast their votes in what promises to be a defining moment for their respective democracies.
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