The need for collective commitment and impartial participation of all stakeholders to ensure credible elections at all levels has been emphasized.

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, gave the charge during a virtual public discourse on “Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Credible Elections in Nigeria: 2027 and Beyond,” organised by the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ondo/Ekiti States Chapter.

A statement by the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, Paul Akinduro, said Dr. Adelami stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot shoulder the responsibility of ensuring credible elections alone.

He called for adequate contributions from security agencies, the media, the judiciary, political parties and the electorate to achieve free, fair and credible elections.

The Deputy Governor, who is the patron of AANI in Ondo and Ekiti States, identified adequate security for electoral materials and voters, internal democracy within political parties, an independent judiciary and patriotic citizenship as critical factors in ensuring credible polls.

In his opening remarks, the National President of AANI, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, acknowledged INEC’s significant responsibility in the electoral process but emphasised the need for support from other democratic institutions to strengthen electoral credibility.