The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ondo State, has intensified engagement with critical stakeholders across the state as part of efforts to foster a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, on Thursday led the Commission’s team to an elaborate stakeholders’ engagement held at the INEC Local Government Offices in Akure South and Akure North.

Speaking during the engagement, Agboke reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to ensuring a successful electoral process in 2027, urging stakeholders to work closely with the Commission to promote issue-based campaigns, discourage vote buying and tackle political violence before, during and after the elections.

The REC and his entourage also paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, HRM Oba Idowu Faborode, and the Okiti of Iju, HRM Oba Amos Adelakun Farukanmi.

At the respective palaces, Agboke appealed to the traditional rulers to deploy their positions of influence in encouraging their subjects to participate actively in the electoral process while conducting themselves peacefully and adhering to extant electoral laws.

He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders in creating an environment conducive to peaceful participation and credible elections.

The engagements were attended by critical actors in the electoral process, including members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the local government level, representatives of political parties, religious leaders, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), community youths and NYSC serving corps members, among others.

The meetings further underscored INEC’s commitment to sustained consultation, collaboration and partnership with stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.