Ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, President Bola Tinubu has called on political stakeholders and voters to maintain peace and actively participate in the democratic process.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent election that reflects the true will of the people. Tinubu urged all involved parties to uphold the principles of democracy, encouraging citizens to fulfill their civic duties without intimidation or fear.

President Tinubu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its thorough preparations, including the timely distribution of sensitive materials across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state. He expressed confidence in the measures taken by the electoral body to ensure a smooth and credible voting process.

Highlighting the importance of security, Tinubu acknowledged the deployment of law enforcement personnel to maintain order during the election. He lauded the commitments made by the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, assuring that security forces would adhere strictly to the Electoral Act and act with professionalism to safeguard the integrity of the election.

The President reminded political candidates and their supporters that governance is a privilege granted by the electorate and must be earned through respect for the democratic process. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the nation and contribute to the consolidation of over 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

Representatives of political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders were present during the distribution of electoral materials, underscoring the collaborative effort to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Ondo State.