Ondo Election: Don’t spare lawbreakers, Yiaga Africa urges security agencies

A Civil Society Organisation,Yiaga Africa, has urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute violators of electoral laws during Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo state

The Chairman of the 2024 Ondo State Election Mission, Yiaga Africa, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, stated this at a news conference in Akure on Thursday.

It was reported that the Ondo State Governorship election comes up on Saturday.

Nwagwu urged security agencies to strictly enforce laws and regulations against voter inducement, vote-buying, ballot box snatching and other electoral malpractices.

He commended INEC for its proactive measures and collaboration with security agencies to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Nwagwu also raised concerns about anticipated low voter turnout due to factors like economic concerns and fear of hired miscreants and cult groups unleashing violence.

He said that the issues raised could discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process, leading to lower-than-expected turnouts.

“As the Ondo State governorship election approaches, there is a noticeable desperation by
political actors.

“This desperation is evident in various ways, including heightened rhetoric, aggressive campaigning, the spread of misinformation, and personal attacks aimed at undermining opponents.

“Such behaviours can create a tense and volatile atmosphere leading up to the election, which may escalate into violence on election day,” he said.

Nwagwu used the opportunity to encourage Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) partners and election observers to maintain active communication with the Electoral Commission to share findings, recommendations and concerns and to collaborate with them.

He also urged the media to ensure objective and balanced reporting on the electoral process and avoid sensationalism and disseminating unverified information that could incite violence or unrest.

Nwagwu urged voters to resist efforts to purchase their votes, turnout in large numbers, and vote according to their conscience on
Saturday.