The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ondo State, has engaged stakeholders in the Ondo North Senatorial District as part of its preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The stakeholders’ meeting, held in Owo, the senatorial headquarters, was presided over by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, who assured Nigerians that their valid votes would count and determine the outcome of the election.

“People’s valid votes will not only count; they will be the determining factor in the next election,” Agboke said.

He reiteratared the Commission’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process.

The REC announced that the nationwide display of the Preliminary Register of Voters would commence on October 9, 2026, across the 203 electoral wards in Ondo State.

He urged eligible citizens to verify their details and make claims or objections where necessary.

He also announced the commencement of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, urging those who transferred their registration during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise to collect their cards.

Agboke also urged political and community stakeholders to work with INEC to promote issue-based campaigns, discourage vote buying, combat political violence and encourage peaceful participation before, during and after the elections.

The REC, accompanied by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Adenike Tadese, and members of the Commission’s management team, also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

At the palace, Agboke appealed to the traditional ruler to use his influence to encourage his subjects to participate actively in the electoral activities scheduled to commence on October 9, while urging them to conduct themselves peacefully and abide by extant electoral laws.

Responding, the Olowo commended INEC for its continued efforts to improve the electoral process, particularly through the introduction and deployment of technological innovations.

He assured the Commission of the continued support of the palace and the Olowo-in-Council, pledging to encourage his subjects to participate actively and peacefully in the electoral process.

The meeting was attended by representatives from local government areas across the Ondo North Senatorial District, members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), representatives of political parties, religious leaders, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Iyalojas, youths, NYSC corps members and other critical stakeholders.

Agboke is expected to preside over another stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Thursday, followed by another engagement in Okitipupa on Friday.