Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), has warned that the people of Ondo State cannot afford to “play into the waiting hands of the anarchy that results from manipulated elections.” He made this statement at a one-day workshop aimed at sensitizing the people and political parties ahead of next month’s governorship election in the state.
Free and Fair Elections Essential
General Akinrinade, who served as chairman of the workshop, stressed that elections must be a true reflection of the people’s collective wish. He argued that when elections are not free and fair, the result is the erosion of democracy and the enthronement of bad leadership. He also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to the principle of one man, one vote and an electoral system in which every vote counts.
“All democrats must stand up to salute President Goodluck Jonathan when he unequivocally pledged his commitment to the principle of one man, one vote and an electoral system in which every vote counts,” Akinrinade declared.
INEC Promises Fair Poll
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, represented by Hajiya Aminat Zakari, urged all contestants and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the rules of the game and play politics without bitterness. The INEC boss promised a free and fair election in the state, with the support of security agents.
Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is seeking a second term on the ticket of the Labour Party (LP), emphasized the principle of one man, one vote and urged the people of the state to protect their votes on election day.
PDP and ACN Raise Concerns
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented by his running mate, Mr. Saka Lawal, condemned the denial of air time to opposition parties by public electronic media in the state. He also lamented a series of attacks by the LP against members of the PDP.
“We in the PDP, we are not violent, but the sitting government ever since has not learnt anything from us. Over the last one month, we have been to 203 wards, we have visited about 350 communities. We were at Idanre, we got police permit, but the SA to the sitting governor led thugs to attack our members. If not for the timely intervention of the Commissioner of Police, that rally would have been aborted,” Lawal said.
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by the vice chairman of the party in the South West, Senator James Kolawole, noted that the consequences of not conducting a free and fair election are grievous. He maintained that Ondo State has a sophisticated citizenry, which makes it mandatory to ensure a free and fair election in the state. Kolawole also said the ACN, being a peaceful party, will not tolerate or promote any form of violence.
Parties Endorse Peaceful Conduct
Political parties fielding candidates in the election endorsed the principle of free and fair election and agreed to play the game according to the rules. In a communiqué jointly signed by the chairmen of the parties, they pledged to desist from violence and politics of do-or-die.
The workshop was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Ndi Obi, with the objective of preaching peace, love, and unity in the polity.
