PRE-ELECTION STATEMENT AHEAD OF ONDO STATE 2024 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Introduction

The Ondo State 2024 Governorship election will be held on Saturday 16^th November, 2024 as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) barring any unforeseen circumstances. This is the fifth major off-cycle election to be conducted by INEC after the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. As the people of Ondo state heads to the polls on Saturday 16^th November 2024, CLEEN Foundation has noticed a heavy presence of security personnel in preparation for the election on Saturday. The Nigeria Police Force being the leading election security agency has announced the deployment of thirty-six thousand (36000) police personnel drawn from Commands and Formations across the country joined with deployments from sister agencies – the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and other agencies. Early observation by the CLEEN Foundation Team in Akure, Ondo State suggests a tense but peaceful atmosphere with last-minute campaigns by political gladiators.

CLEEN Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting peaceful elections in Ondo state through close monitoring of the conduct of security personnel deployed for the election. CLEEN Foundation Election Security Support Centre under the CSO Situation Room will be open on election day for observation, verification, analysis and reporting in real-time the conduct of security agencies deployed on election duty. As part of the CLEEN’s preparation for the election, the Foundation has released her Election Security Threat Assessment (ESTA) findings for the 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State and has engaged with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to mitigate perceived electoral risk factors identified before and during the governorship elections on Saturday in Ondo state.

Objective of the Pre-Election Statement

This Pre-Election Statement is aimed to sensitize stakeholders of the CLEEN Foundation participation in the Ondo State 2024 Governorship election and her focus is on Election Security Management targeted at holding security personnel accountable to their actions during the elections. Furthermore, it intends to disseminate stakeholders’ call to action for a peaceful election in the Ondo state 2024 governorship election.

Methodology

CLEEN Foundation will deploy a standard checklist with our trained Election Observers to observe the conduct of security personnel deployed to secure the 2024 Governorship elections across all the 18 Local Government Areas in Ondo state.  Furthermore, CLEEN Foundation will open her Election Security Support Centre (ESSC) on Saturday morning to receive data from her citizens’ observers in the state. The ESSC will analyse and escalate perceived incidents with the potential to disrupt the elections. CLEEN’s Election Situation Room will open to the public via 07060785112, 09095965956, and 08075418287. Lastly, CLEEN Foundation will issue her findings on the conduct of security personnel during the governorship elections in Ondo state.

 

 Stakeholders Call to Action

In this crucial period leading up to the election, we call on all stakeholders- political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies, media, accredited election observers, development partners and the citizens of Ondo State to prioritize democratic values and ensure the electoral process is conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and fairness for peaceful outcome.

1. Security and Peaceful Elections:

We acknowledge the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace and order during previous elections. We urge the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other sister agencies to enhance their efforts in securing the election environment. CLEEN Foundation calls for heightened vigilance before, during, and after the elections against potential threats of violence, and intimidation, as well as ensuring the safety of voters, election observers, development partners, media, and INEC officials. We advocate for a zero-tolerance towards any form of electoral violence. Political parties and their supporters must refrain from acts that could disrupt the electoral process. The electorates must be allowed to vote without fear of coercion, vote trading or harm of any form.

2. Voter Participation:

As we head into the election, we continue to emphasize the importance of voters participation in the electoral process. CLEEN’s pre-election observation suggests high rate of disenchantment and possible apathy amongst electorates. We encourage all eligible voters in Ondo State to participate actively in the elections on Saturday. It is essential for citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities, including the proper conduct at polling stations and the significance of their vote in shaping the future of their state.

3. Electoral Integrity and Monitoring:

CLEEN Foundation appreciates the Independent National Electoral Commission for the efforts put in place in the planning of the Ondo state 2024 governorship elections and calls on the commission to ensure last minutes preparations are made to guarantee a smooth and credible process and outcome. We expect INEC to uphold its constitutional duty to conduct the election transparently, ensure free access to voting materials, and take swift action against any electoral fraud. We appeal to INEC to ensure the full participation of the riverine areas of the state, and ensure logistics to these areas are available and done in a timely manner, priority should be given to the safety of electoral officials in the choice and delivery of this task.

4. Appeal for Unity and Peace:

We urge all political leaders and their supporters to remember that democracy thrives on healthy competition, not conflict. May this election be an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions, promote unity and peace in Ondo State. Regardless of the outcome, it is essential that every individual respects the will of the people and the democratic process. We also urge the media to play a responsible role in providing accurate and unbiased information, and to avoid spreading inflammatory rhetorics that could incite violence or hatred.

Conclusion:

This election presents a significant opportunity for the people of Ondo State to shape their future. CLEEN Foundation remains committed to supporting a peaceful, free, and fair election. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the electoral process is transparent, fair, credible and peaceful. We call on the citizens of Ondo State to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divides, to ensure their votes count and their voices are heard in this critical election.

Together, let us work for a peaceful and democratic Ondo State.

Signed,
Peter Maduoma
Acting Executive Director
CLEEN Foundation
14^th November, 2024

Download 2024 Security Threat Assessment Ondo State Governorship Election