TMG Says Ondo Election Generally Peaceful, Well-organised

A civil rights organisation, Transition Monitoring Group, on Sunday congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Ondo State governorship election, describing it as “generally well executed.”

The TMG also demanded a review of Nigeria’s electoral processes to address democratic issues within political parties to improve the electoral system.

The organisation also admitted that although there were many disturbing lapses, they did not significantly affect the outcome of the election.

“Our preliminary assessment of the Ondo State gubernatorial election of November 26, 2016 is in respect of the laid down procedure by the electoral act 2010 as amended. In line with the provisions of the electoral 2010 as amended, our preliminary opinion is that the election was generally peaceful, orderly, well-organised, and well-conducted.

“Our preliminary assessment nevertheless is that these challenges and malpractices were relatively low and had no significant adverse effect on the process and outcome of the election”, TMG stressed.

A preliminary statement by the Chairperson of TMG, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, based on a preliminary examination of field reports by its 200 domestic election observers and field supervisors on Election Day as provided, said “our preliminary opinion is that the election was generally peaceful, orderly, well-organised, and well-conducted.”