Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative, a coalition of civil society organizations that observed the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election held on November 16, 2024, has commended the people of Ondo State for the peaceful conduct of the election across the state’s 18 local government council areas.
In a press release issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the coalition lauded the citizens for turning out peacefully to elect a new leader who will pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.
The coalition particularly praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its excellent performance in discharging its duties during the election.
They expressed optimism that the entire world is watching and anticipating a credible conclusion of the process, with the announcement and declaration of the election winner.
The group also commended the security agencies for their professionalism and diligence, which ensured that the election was largely peaceful across the state.
In addition, the media and both local and international civil society organizations accredited to observe the election were lauded for adhering to the rules of engagement by reporting and observing the election in line with global best practices.
However, the coalition expressed concern over reported cases of vote buying at some polling stations.
While they acknowledged that these incidents were not significant enough to undermine the overall credibility of the election, they emphasized that such practices remain a cause for concern as Nigerians aspire to conduct elections that can serve as a global model.
According to the coalition, as the people of Ondo State and Nigerians at large await the conclusion of the electoral process with the official announcement of results by INEC, it urged the citizens to remain peaceful and to maintain confidence in INEC’s ability to ensure that its declaration reflects the will of the electorate as expressed at the polls.
God bless Ondo State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
•Comrade Nelson Ekujumi
•Comrade Gbenga Soloki
•Comrade Ajayi Popoola
•Comrade Rasak Oladosu
•Comrade Rasak Olokoba
