Ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, has called on the electoral umpire to address the identified challenges and take necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming governorship elections were conducted in a credible, peaceful, and transparent manner. 

The Director, Princess Hamman-Obels in a press release, said the umpire and other duty-bearers were encouraged to act decisively in bringing violators of the rules of conduct to justice in line with existing laws.

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, electoral officials, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media, in promoting a peaceful and successful governorship election.

She reiterated that successful elections required collective action, adding that an election is a process and not an event. 

She, however, said the actions and inactions preceding and after the contest were crucial determinants of its success or failure. 

“It is, therefore, important for political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to begin acting now towards ensuring a integrity and credibility of the electoral process that the men, women, and children of Edo and Ondo states will be proud to be associated with.

“The Electoral Hub expresses profound concern over the irregularities witnessed during the primary elections held by various political parties between February 1 – 24, 2024 in Edo, and between April 6 – 27, 2024 in Ondo state. 

“These primaries were held in preparation for the forthcoming governorship elections scheduled for September 21, 2024, and November 16, 2024, in Edo and Ondo states respectively. 

“The contests were, however, characterised by alarming reports of irregularities and complaints in both states across party lines. The complaints underscore a worrying trend of threats to inclusivity and internal democracy within party structures. 

“It also points to a readiness of contesting parties and candidates to flout electoral rules and undermine the integrity and credibility of the process.

“The Electoral Hub firmly believe that free, fair, and credible elections are essential for the sustenance of democracy and the stability of any nation,” she said.