Bilkisu Adejoh
As Ondo State braces for its highly anticipated 2024 governorship election set for Saturday, November 16, the CLEEN Foundation has issued a pre-election statement urging security, transparency, and peace across all electoral processes.
This was contained in a statement today by the Acting Executive Director
CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma.
Maduoma said the election marks a pivotal moment for the people of Ondo, and CLEEN Foundation’s presence and initiatives promise a thorough oversight on the conduct of security personnel and election integrity, setting the stage for a model election in Nigeria.
He said security remains a top priority ahead of the polls, as Nigeria’s lead election security agency, the Nigeria Police Force, has deployed an extensive force of 36,000 personnel to Ondo State.
This formidable team, pulled from various police commands nationwide, is joined by officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other agencies.
In an early observation, CLEEN Foundation noted a “tense but calm atmosphere” in Akure, the state capital, marked by heightened security and last-minute campaigns from political figures.
He noted that the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Support Centre (ESSC) will operate under the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Situation Room, providing real-time monitoring, verification, analysis, and reporting on security personnel deployed for the election.
The organization will work with trained election observers who are stationed across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State to assess the actions of security personnel, aiming to ensure accountability throughout election day.
CLEEN Foundation has proactively released its Election Security Threat Assessment (ESTA) for Ondo State, identifying potential electoral risk factors.
Through collaboration with key security agencies and stakeholders, the Foundation has taken preventive steps to mitigate these risks, fostering a safe environment for the governorship race.
The ESSC’s hotline will be open to the public, encouraging citizens to report any incidents that could affect election integrity and peace.
Ahead of the election, CLEEN Foundation issued a call to action, urging all stakeholders including political parties, security agencies, INEC officials, media, election observers, and Ondo citizens to uphold democratic values and ensure a transparent and peaceful election.
CLEEN Foundation commended security agencies for their past efforts to maintain order and urges them to continue their vigilance in safeguarding voters, observers, media, and INEC officials from threats, intimidation, or violence.
CLEEN advocates for a zero-tolerance stance on electoral violence and calls for a peaceful atmosphere where citizens can vote free from fear or coercion.
Citing a noticeable voter disenchantment and potential apathy, CLEEN encourages eligible voters to participate actively in the election, emphasizing the importance of informed voting in shaping the state’s future.
CLEEN further expressed appreciation for INEC’s commitment to a credible election and urges the commission to ensure efficient logistics, particularly in the state’s riverine areas.
CLEEN’s appeal also stresses the need for INEC to provide swift responses to any electoral irregularities, ensuring the safety of election officials and materials.
With political tensions high, CLEEN calls on political leaders and their supporters to respect the democratic process, regardless of the outcome.
CLEEN also highlights the essential role of the media in providing accurate, unbiased information to avoid stoking division or unrest.
CLEEN Foundation reminds the people of Ondo State that this election is an opportunity to move beyond ethnic, religious, and political divides, strengthening democratic values and unity.
CLEEN remains committed to its role in monitoring and supporting a fair and transparent electoral process, aiming to set a precedent for elections in Nigeria.
As the clock ticks towards election day, all eyes are on Ondo State, with CLEEN Foundation positioned as a crucial advocate for peace and accountability in this defining political moment.
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