ELECTION OBSERVATION REPORT ON THE ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION 2024

 

Election Observers Report for the Ondo State Governorship Election
held on the 16^th of November, 2024
 

Executive Summary

This report highlights observations, assessments, and recommendations regarding the Ondo State Governorship Election conducted on 16^th of November, 2024 by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Our team of election observers monitored the pre-election period, Election Day activities, and the post-election environment to evaluate the credibility, transparency, and fairness of the electoral process.

Objective of Observation

The primary objective was to assess the conduct of the election in line with the principles of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, as well as to evaluate the adherence of stakeholders to the Electoral Act and international best practices.

 

1. Pre-Election

• Voter Education and Awareness:
  Efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organizations to educate voters were commendable, though rural areas reported lower levels of awareness.

 

• Campaign Atmosphere:
  Campaigns were generally peaceful, with incidents of inflammatory rhetoric in some areas.

 

• Logistics and Preparations:
  INEC showed preparedness, but logistical challenges, such as late distribution of election materials in a few polling units, were noted

Recommendations:

1. Strengthening voter education, especially in rural areas.
2. Monitor political campaigns to mitigate inflammatory rhetoric.

 

 

2. Election Day Activities

• Early Opening of Polling Units:
  In most locations, polling units opened on time; however, there were delays in some polling units due to logistical issues.
• Deployment of Electoral Materials:
  Adequate materials were observed in most locations, though isolated cases of shortages were reported.
• Voter Turnout:
  Turnout was moderate, with active participation observed among women and youth.
• Use of Technology:
  The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned effectively in most polling units, though technical hitches were reported in a few areas.
• Security:
  Security personnel were present at most polling units, maintaining a calm atmosphere. However, there were reports of intimidation and isolated violence in specific areas.

Challenges:

• Late arrival of election officials in some polling units.
• Allegations of vote-buying and ballot snatching in certain areas.
• Accessibility issues for persons with disabilities in some locations.

Recommendations:

1. Improve the efficiency of material deployment to reduce delays.
2. Increase security presence in identified hotspots.
3. Ensure better inclusion of persons with disabilities.
4. Improve on technology/ functionality of BVAS

 

 

 

 

3. Post-Election Environment

• Collation of Results:
  The collation process was mostly transparent, with party agents and observers present. However, delays and discrepancies in some collation centers raised concerns.
• Public Perception:
  While many viewed the election as credible, allegations of irregularities in some areas led to dissatisfaction among stakeholders.

Recommendations:

1. Enhance transparency in result collation processes.
2. Investigate and address reported irregularities promptly

4. Overall Assessment

The Ondo State Governorship Election witnessed certain challenging circumstances, yet significant efforts were made to ensure its credibility. Despite these challenges the election largely reflected the will of the people.

Recommendations for Future Elections:

• Strengthen logistics and deployment systems.
• Conduct more robust voter and security training.
• Increase efforts to curb electoral malpractices, including vote-buying and violence.
• Enhance technology( BVAS functionality)

    

 

Conclusion
The observer group commends the efforts of INEC, security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders in conducting the election. Continued improvements in the electoral process will strengthen Nigeria's democracy.

 

Annexes

List of Observers and Their Deployment Areas

	Organization	Representative	Deployment Area
1	Total Care for Peace and Development Initiative	Florence Ogonegbu	Akure South
2	Women and Youth Empowerment for Global Change Initiative	Deborah Obu	Akure North
3	New Nation Foundation	Francis Eli	Akure North
4	Total Care for Peace and Development Initiative	Dede	Akure South

 

Areas Covered and Results

 

. Akure North LGA

Registered voters

Accredited voters 21608

APC 14451

LP 238

PDP 5787

 

. Akure South LGA

Registered voters 314709

Accredited voters 54670

APC 32969

LP 238

PDP 17926