2019 polls will be free, fair – Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor Mr Rotimi Akeredolu has opined that the 2019 general elections will be free, fair and credible.

The Governor said, so far, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have shown their commitment and preparedness for a one man, one vote election.

Akeredolu spoke at the opening ceremony of the Strategic Stakeholders’ Dialogue On Peaceful and Violence-free general elections in Nigeria at the International Centre for Culture and Event (The Dome), Akure.

The programme was organised for South West States by the United Nations Development Programme and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ondo State government.

The Governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, lauded Buhari for the facilitation of the early release of fund to INEC, which he said would enable the commission to exhibit high level of independence, objectivity, transparency and high standard of professionalism in the delivery of its primary mandate.

He told the gathering that the Buhari’s administration is committed with other tiers of government and relevant stakeholders to ensuring the peaceful conduct of the coming elections.

According to him “the President has assured Nigerians and the global community that the processes leading to the general election will be open and devoid of political interference.”

Akeredolu charged both the foreign and local observers to work with INEC and security personnel.

Stakeholders at the event include representative of Governor of Osun State, Security Chiefs, political, traditional and spiritual leaders, representatives of INEC, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others.