AS the countdown to Election Day continues for Ondo State, Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, Mr. Attahiru Jega, in Akure on Friday appealed to stakeholders to resist the temptation to resort to violence.
Ondo State holds its governorship election October 20.
Incumbent Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is seeking a second term of office of the Sunshine State, will face-off against two main challengers: Rotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria and Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The election commission boss was in Akure in to deliver a keynote address at a one day sensitization workshop for political parties and stakeholders in the state.
The workshop was organized by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter party Affairs ahead of the election.
Jega, represented by Hajia Amina Zakari, National Electoral Commissioner in-charge of Political Parties, also called on the participants to ensure a free and fair election.
“It is our hope as a commission that as we build confidence among stakeholders, we can begin to deepen the culture of tolerance in the political and electoral processes in Nigeria.”
He advised political parties and politicians in the state to imbibe the culture of tolerance and respect for electoral laws.
In his address, Sen. Ben Obi, the Special Adviser to the president said the workshop would give stakeholders the opportunity to rub minds and ensure crisis free poll.
He urged politicians to educate their supporters on the need to adhere strictly to electoral rules during election.
Obi called on them to come up with far-reaching recommendations to ensure free and fair election the result of which would be acceptable to the people.
The Country Director, International Republican Institute, Robina Namusisi advised all stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible governorship poll.
Namsusisi said the institute had collaborated with INEC to organize dialogue with campaign managers on how to achieve free, fair and violence free election in the country.
11 other candidates attended the workshop.