Ahead of the June 20 by-election for Ondo South Senatorial District, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to conduct credible and peaceful election.
Dr Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a visit to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo Council.
Agboke said the commission is prepared to deploy resources at ensuring the exercise is credible and hitch-free.
The REC said that the electoral body would soon roll out activities for the by-election, stating that political parties have been notified of the election process ahead of the exercise.
He appealed to stakeholders to support the commission in promoting peaceful and issue-based politics in the state.
Agboke called on residents to participate actively in electoral activities, including the third phase of the continuous voter registration (CVR).
He stressed that transparency and open communication would remain central to the commission’s activities under his watch, especially as the electoral body prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The REC noted that elections are a collective responsibility that requires cooperation among political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate to achieve success.
According to him, INEC is committed to conducting free and fair elections in the state in line with the Electoral Act.
Agboke called on political actors to always seek clarification through appropriate channels rather than spreading misinformation capable of heating up the polity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ondo Council of NUJ, Comrade Leke Adegbite, pledged the support of the union for INEC in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process in the state.
He said the NUJ would mobilise members to give adequate and positive coverage to the commission’s activities.
