President Bola Tinubu has urged political stakeholders and the people of Ondo State to prioritize peace and responsible behavior as the state prepares for its governorship election.

He emphasized the importance of a free and fair process to uphold Nigeria’s democratic legacy, which has spanned over 25 years.

This call was made in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Tinubu appealed to political leaders, candidates, and voters to ensure that their actions reflect respect for democratic values, both during and after the election.

He highlighted the critical role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in maintaining credibility.

Tinubu commended INEC for its thorough preparations, including the early distribution of sensitive electoral materials across Ondo’s 18 local government areas.

He stated that this proactive step ensures the smooth running of the election and strengthens public trust in the process.

The President also expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff for deploying security personnel to ensure a peaceful environment.

He emphasized the need for professionalism from these officers, urging them to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act to guarantee a secure and impartial election.

In his statement, Tinubu reminded political stakeholders, particularly the candidates, that leadership is a privilege granted by the people.

He stressed that this privilege must be treated with the utmost respect, and the people’s right to choose their leaders freely must not be compromised.

He further encouraged all Nigerians to see the Ondo election as an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s democratic foundation.

According to him, peaceful and transparent elections are not just beneficial for the state but for the entire country’s political stability and progress.