By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

Dr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State, says non-sensitive materials for the 2027 General Elections are available in the state.

Agboke, who said this on Wednesday in Akure during a courtesy visit to the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Aladelusi, explained that INEC was also fully prepared for the forthcoming election.

The REC said the visit was part of efforts to carry traditional institutions and other stakeholders along in the commission’s preparations, and solicited support to encourage the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)

He also said the non-sensitive materials included mats, generators and operational vehicles, while the availability of the materials indicated the commission’s readiness for the election.

“Election is fast approaching, preparation is on top gear across states but in Ondo State, the non-sensitive materials are available and we waiting for the sensitive materials.

“So, for us in Ondo, the non-sensitive material that we have shows we are ready for the election.

“Meanwhile, people have a lackadaisical approach to the collection of their PVCs and for you to really encourage them, we need the intervention of traditional institutions.

“We are appealing to the traditional ruler to use his influence to also discourage vote buying and electoral violence.

“Also, we are urging parents to prevent their children from being used by politicians to perpetrate violence, while political parties need to abide by the electoral guidelines and rules,” he said.

Agboke, therefore, warned officials of the commission against absenteeism or dereliction of duty, while appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone who failed to discharge his/her responsibilities.

Responding, Aladelusi commended INEC for having its non-sensitive materials available, and assured of traditional institutions’ support in promoting peaceful participation during and after the election.

The traditional ruler, however, expressed optimism that the forthcoming election in Ondo State and Nigeria would be peaceful.

“The responsibility of traditional rulers are to support government without engaging in partisan electioneering.

“We are ready to support you. We will talk to our market women and others who have not collected his or her PVC to do so because it is your power.

“So, whatever we can do to make sure that the election will be peaceful and non-violent, we are going to do it,” he said. (NAN)