The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami, has stressed the need for holistic alignment and unbiased participation of all stakeholders to ensure credible elections at all levels.

Adelami made the remarks on Wednesday at a virtual public discourse on Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Credible Elections in Nigeria: 2027 and Beyond, organized by the Alumni Association of National Institute (AANI) Ondo/Ekiti States chapter.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be the sole institution with the burden of election credibility, demanding for adequate contributions of other stakeholders such as the security agencies, the media, the judiciary, the political parties and the electorates, in achieving free, fair and credible elections.

The deputy governor, who is the patron of AANI in Ondo/Ekiti, identified adequate security of electoral materials and electorates, political parties internal democracy, independent judiciary and patriotic citizens among others as key factors necessary to produce credible elections.

Adelami said Nigeria’s elections have improved over time and that it can only get better. He cited the challenges that came with the introduction of BVAS, which according to him, is currently being perfected.

He further emphasized that established legal frameworks should strictly be adhered to in guiding electoral processes. He also called on security agencies to maintain public confidence and ensure orderliness during elections.

He commended AANI for bringing issues around the elections and democratic institutions to the front burner of national discourse to promote good governance.

In his opening remarks, the national president of AANI, Emmanuel Obi Okafor, said INEC bears significant responsibility but requires support from other institutions.

Okafor harped on political leadership, impartial security architecture and an informed and active citizenry as crucial elements towards achieving credible elections.

Also speaking, the chairman of AANI Ondo/Ekiti chapter, Jide Akinleye, said the public discourse was designed to prepare principal actors and the general public for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

Akinleye disclosed that the association would present actionable recommendations for Institutional reforms at the end of the event, thanking the organising committee, panelists and participants for their attendance.