Ahead of the gubernatorial election in Osun State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and Civil Society Organisations met to foster peace and boost inclusive election at the grassroots.
The objective was also to have a peaceful election, to have an inclusive governorship election and reduce, if not eliminated, invalid votes.
Speaking at the programme in Osogbo on Monday tagged: ‘One-Day Discourse By INEC/CSO For Peaceful Osun Governorship Election’, Ndidi Okafor who is the Deputy Director of CSO/INEC said the gathering is tilted towards a peaceful election.
“But we should educate them so they can make very clear amidst choices. we want to reduce invalid votes.”
The commission said it wants to see increased participation of eligible citizens.
The sensitization would be taken to citizens in Osun State, who have registered and have collected their PVCs.
“We have come with the message of peace and inclusion, messages to the people not to sell their vote because it’s their right. If you sell your vote then you don’t have moral rights to make demands anymore from those you elected.
“You can no longer ask them to be accountable to you, so we have come to the good people of Osun to come out on the election day and peacefully cast their votes. You know the popular words, “vote, don’t fight,” Election is not a war, ” Ndidi said.
Also, the INEC Head of Department, of VEP, Lucky Ayoola Balogun, while educating the electorate said there is a need for continuous voters’ education in a bid to have desired results. Continue Reading
