As political activities intensify leading up to the November 16 Ondo governorship election, Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote is closely monitoring the political environment and the conduct of political stakeholders as part of its Pre-Election Observation. The Pre-Election Observation began in September 2024 with the deployment of Long-Term Observers (LTOs) in all eighteen LGAs of the state. These LTOs observe campaign activities and preparatory activities of INEC, security agencies, the National Orientation Agency, and civil society groups. Recognising that electoral politics in Nigeria is traditionally characterised by tension, outbreaks of violence, and confrontational zero-sum politics, the PREO is also identifying potential threats ahead of the November 16 election.
The November 16 election is the sixth off-cycle election in the state since the transition to civil rule in 1999. Seventeen political parties are contesting for the highest political office. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, Social democratic party (SDP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have so far been more prominent in the conduct of campaigns across most of the Local government Areas in the State. Verbal and physical confrontations are becoming more frequent, particularly in Akoko South West Local Government Area. Supporters of different political parties and citizens face attacks for supporting opposing candidates. The pre-election observation report also notes local government areas with more reports of insecurity, especially with records of incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and, more worrisome, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
In preparation for the upcoming election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is actively engaged in voter education, recruiting and training election officials, and involving stakeholders. The Ondo governorship election provides an opportunity for INEC to conduct an election that upholds integrity standards. It will also serve as a litmus test for INEC’s neutrality and professionalism at all levels of election administration as citizens go to the polls on Saturday, November 16, 2024 governorship election.
