Ondo Guber: Election results reflect people’s will – Foreign observer group
The International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc. (IPCSL), a foreign observer group, has affirmed that the results of the recent governorship election in Ondo State, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accurately reflected the records from the ballot boxes at polling units.
The group’s spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisation for the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, presented the findings in Akure, describing the election as peaceful, transparent, credible, and successful, with minimal incidents or complaints from party agents.
David called on candidates and political actors to seek legal redress for any disputes, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and preventing any breakdown of law and order.
“The IPCSL mission commends the people of Ondo State for their conduct and cooperation with our team members across the local government areas, political parties, and stakeholders, which created an enabling environment for a successful election. This reflects patriotism and a commitment to democratic culture,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for continued efforts to preserve national peace and stability, urging all parties to support democracy and the rule of law amid Nigeria’s challenging socio-political context.
David lauded INEC for its efforts, noting improvements in staff training and handling of election equipment, as well as the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which functioned well except for isolated issues.
The group also praised the professionalism of security agencies during the election. Unlike previous elections, the military presence was limited to border areas and flashpoints, while the police and civil defense corps provided effective security at polling units and streets.
The IPCSL deployed 50 directors and collaborated with 20 domestic observer organizations, mobilizing 200 officials across the state’s 18 local government areas. The group observed the following:
Most polling units opened on time, though some faced delays due to transportation logistics.
Voter turnout varied significantly, with some areas experiencing low morale attributed to economic hardship and dwindling interest in politics.
Incidents of vote trading were recorded, including a violent episode in Idanre where a man was stabbed after allegedly snatching ballot boxes.
The group recommended that INEC intensify voter education and engagement with political parties and civil society to strengthen democracy. They also called for further review of electoral laws to address challenges and improve security strategies to reduce voter suppression.
“The mission asserts, without fear of contradiction, that the final results declared by INEC truly reflect the records of the ballot boxes at polling units. IPCSL commends the collaboration between international and domestic observers and encourages continued improvements to Nigeria’s electoral processes,” David concluded.
The observer group highlighted the competitive efforts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while noting the near absence of other parties in the election.
