President Bola Tinubu has called for a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Ondo State. He emphasized the critical importance of ensuring a democratic process that truly reflects the will of the people, without any interference or compromise to their rights.
The President expressed his strong desire for an election environment where citizens can freely and confidently choose their leaders. He stressed that intimidation or fear should not play any part in the democratic process, and voters must be empowered to exercise their civic duties with confidence and security.
In his statement, President Tinubu underscored the importance of tranquility, fairness, and adherence to democratic principles during the election. His remarks reflect his dedication to strengthening the democratic foundations of Nigeria and ensuring that the electoral process in Ondo State is credible, peaceful, and reflective of the electorate's voices.
As the governorship election approaches, Tinubu’s message is a call to unity and collaboration among all involved stakeholders. He appealed to political actors, security agencies, and the electorate to work together to maintain peace and decorum. His words emphasize the shared responsibility of ensuring a smooth, credible, and transparent electoral process.
President Tinubu also urged political candidates and stakeholders to respect the people’s right to choose their leaders. He reminded them that the authority to govern is a privilege bestowed by the electorate and must be honored and protected under all circumstances.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reiterated the critical role of stakeholders in upholding the democratic process. The President expressed his commitment to seeing a credible and democratic election that will strengthen governance and accountability in Ondo State.
The statement partly read: “President Tinubu anticipates a peaceful, fair, and democratic election process in Ondo State. He believes the process must genuinely reflect the will of the people, allowing them the power to freely and confidently choose their leaders without interference or manipulation.”
“The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its diligent and proactive preparations for the election. He specifically highlighted their efforts in ensuring the timely distribution of sensitive materials across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State.”
“Additionally, Tinubu appreciates the deployment of security personnel to maintain law and order during the election period. He lauds the assurances given by the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that security operatives will conduct themselves professionally and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act.”
“President Tinubu reiterates that the privilege of governance is granted by the people, and this right must be respected and safeguarded. He emphasizes the importance of all stakeholders working together to consolidate Nigeria’s 25+ years of democratic governance.”
The President’s message is a timely reminder of the shared responsibility of all Nigerians to uphold the principles of democracy. His call for a free, fair, and credible election underscores his commitment to ensuring that the voices of the electorate are not only heard but respected at every stage of the electoral process.