Ahead of the governorship election in Ondo State, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has called on political parties to intensify voter mobilization efforts and refrain from last-minute endorsements of candidates.
The coalition of over seventy civil society organizations (CSOs) made this appeal in a preliminary statement issued in Akure on Friday, November 15, 2024, just a day before the polls.
In its statement, the Situation Room raised concerns over what it described as inadequate voter engagement by political parties. According to the group, many political parties have not done enough to reach out to the electorate in recent weeks, leaving voters uninformed and less inclined to participate in the democratic process. “It is the responsibility of political parties to mobilize voters and provide them with the information needed to make informed choices at the polls. Failure to do so undermines the democratic process,” the statement noted.
The Situation Room further criticized the growing trend of political parties withdrawing their candidates and endorsing rivals at the last minute. Reports indicate that at least three parties in Ondo have recently dropped out of the race and thrown their support behind one of the major contenders.
The coalition expressed concern that such last-minute endorsements could lead to voter confusion and discourage public confidence in the electoral process.
“This trend of candidates stepping down in favor of others, sometimes just hours before the election, raises questions about accountability and the commitment of political parties to the electorate.
We believe electoral reforms are needed to prevent this practice and to ensure that parties remain committed to the choices they present to the public,” the Situation Room said.
To promote a credible election, the Situation Room has deployed 1,000 trained observers across Ondo State. Through this deployment, the coalition aims to monitor the conduct of the polls, ensuring that they adhere to the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and that the process is free from malpractice.
The Situation Room also called on INEC to ensure that polling units open on time and that election materials are distributed efficiently, particularly in rural areas where logistical issues are more common. Furthermore, the CSOs urged security agencies to provide adequate but non-intimidating protection at polling units, noting that a visible presence of law enforcement is crucial to maintaining peace without creating an atmosphere of fear.
With these recommendations, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has appealed to all political stakeholders to uphold the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability during the Ondo election. It also reminded voters of the power of their vote, urging them to resist any attempts at vote-buying or intimidation and to participate peacefully in the electoral process.
