As political parties are wrapping up public campaigns on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, normal socio-economic activities have continued in the state.
The development came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the arrival, in the state capital, Akure, of the sensitive materials, which are currently in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
A total of 17 parties are fielding candidates, while INEC confirms that more than 1.7 million prospective voters registered for the election.
With four days to go, the Nigerian Tribune learnt the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been working round the clock to put in place dome logistics ahead of the election.
A party member, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune on the condition of anonymity, explained that the APC candidate and the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, just returned from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of Monday to put in place some logistics.
The source said: “So many things had been left undone and his visit to Abuja might not be unconnected with the final campaign of the party holding this week. The governor returned this morning.
“The national leaders of the party are to arrive in the state during the week and some things needed to be put in a proper shape. We are expecting our governor back today (Monday).”
Meanwhile, the residents of the state have confirmed receiving food items from political parties in the state during campaign, as parties embarked on the distribution of food parcels to people during rallies.
The residents said the development is a new strategy employed by politicians to woo voters with the distribution being done through community leaders. The items include fertilizers, rice, gaari, beans, sugar, salt, groundnut oil, spaghetti and noodles
Some of residents, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, described the distribution of food parcels during campaign as a disturbing trend, saying the politicians across political parties are targeting largely low-income households.
They said the development amounted to a gross distortion of democratic process, and slammed those behind the practice of dishing out food parcels to compromise prospective voters.
But APC publicity secretary in the party, Alex Kalejaye, denied that his party was involved in the distribution of foodstuffs to residents of the state.
Kalejaiye said the APC had no reason to campaign as the people are ready to reciprocate the efforts of the state government through the ballot.
“As I speak to you, we are moving from one LGA to another campaigning for votes because we are not taking the people for granted. We don’t induce voters; we are talking to them and trying to win their votes,” Kalejaiye said
In the meantime, the sensitive materials that will be used for the November 16 Governorship election in Ondo state have arrived Akure, the state capital on Monday.
The materials, according to a post on INEC’s X handle, on Monday, were transported by the Nigerian Air Force to the state and have been received by officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN).
INEC’s Assistant Director, Voters Education and Publicity, Dr Temitope Akanmu, while confirming the receipt of the materials, said the inspection of the items will hold on Wednesday at the CBN office in Akure, before distribution to the local government headquarters for the election.
On the commission’s arrangements concerning logistics for the poll, Akanmu said: “Presently, every arrangement concerning logistics has been completed, especially to move man and materials from local government to RAC and to polling units.
“ Not that alone, when the sensitive materials arrive, they will be sent down to local government on Thursday and the arrangement is that the farthest distance will be allowed to be moved first to get the materials to the local government that is far from the state capital.
“Again, we’ve always been engaging the transport union, the NURTW, NATO and MAHUM whom we have signed an MoU with and they have assured us that they are going to support us.
“The INEC chairman held a meeting with these transporters and the essence of this is that we know and understand that logistics has always been a challenge in the past but we hope that this time around, there won’t be any cause for any alarm.
“They have assured us that they are going to give us vehicles and boats on water and motorcycles in some difficult terrain.”
Meanwhile, some stakeholders have advised INEC to ensure efficient deployment of logistics for a hitch-free poll.
A member of the Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in the state, Aliyah Ahmad, who made the call, stressed the importance of timely delivery of election materials, proper transportation means, and effective resource management in reducing delays and potential interruptions of the election process.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, he noted that proper logistics would minimise the risk of election malpractice, promote transparency, reduce disputes, and ultimately lead to a credible election.
ANCOPS, others endorse Aiyedatiwa
The bid by Governor Aiyedatiwa for election got a boost as members of the state chapter of the Association of Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS) and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Nigeria (ASUSN) endorsed his candidature.
Thousands of school teachers across 18 local government areas in the state converged on the Government House, Akure at 9am, on a solidarity visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa who went on an urgent trip to Abuja at the weekend.
Addressing the teachers, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the leadership of the associations and their members for the show of support and solidarity.
He stressed: “I am not oblivious of what the needs of teachers are. We were all trained by teachers; we have teachers as members of our families. So, we cannot pretend not to know your needs.
“Your welfare, your comfort are key issues. Some of your needs may be vehicles to make your transportation easier. We know all of these, and we will address them as soon as we come in. I want to assure you of my support and that of my government. Let me thank you again for your love and support. I will make sure the APC government pays due attention to the needs of our teachers,” the governor stated.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of the ad hoc Committee on Public Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade, Tajudeen Balogcn lauded the governor for his quick response to the yearnings of Ondo teachers since he assumed office 10 months ago.
Defend your votes, ex-Osun PDP caretaker chair tells electorate
A former Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Dr Adekunle Akindele, has admonished Ondo State electorate to defend their votes during the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.
Akindele, also charged the people to replicate their support for the PDP candidate, Honourable Agboola Ajayi as they did in Osun state for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s election.
Speaking in Okitipupa when he hosted members of the party in Ilutitun, the PDP leader said: “They cannot come and steal vote your vote in Ondo, so protect your vote, defend your vote and make sure the right figures are declared.
READ ALSO: Protest rocks UCH over persistent power outage
