Ondo gov poll: YIAGA lists hotspots where arms are stockpiled

YIAGA Africa has raised the alarm that arms are being stockpiled in Ondo ahead of the state governorship election.

In its pre-election situation report released on Thursday, the organisation identified 11 local government areas that could be hotspots of violence in the Saturday poll.

It also said the state may witness a further decline in voter turnout given its style of “pre-election violence and gangster politics”.

“Yiaga Africa’s pre-election observation findings revealed a consistent trend of violence and arms stockpiling across some local government areas in the state,” it said.

“Notable LGAs where violence and arms gathering incidents were observed include Akoko South West, Akure South, Akure North, Akoko South-East, Akoko North-West, Irele, Idanre, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Owo.

“Yiaga Africa considers these LGAs as potential hotspots for violence in this election. The organization is further concerned that election-day violence may occur in these locations if the security threats are not neutralized.

“The organization is further concerned with the security agencies’ seeming failure to curb acts of lawlessness and impunity perpetrated by armed political thugs and political actors during campaigns.”

YIAGA added that it observed the non-compliance with measures introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the build-up to the election.

“Political parties do not have any concrete plan for ensuring adherence to COVID-19 public health protocols,” it said.

The organisation said it received reports of attacks and intimidation of party supporters, especially in various parts of the state, while campaigns are being used as avenues for voter-inducement.

It asked political parties to abide by the spirit of the election peace accord which their candidates signed while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “must show utmost professionalism” in conducting the election.