Ayomide Awe
The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, has pledged the support of the palace towards mobilising eligible voters in the kingdom to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The monarch also assured the Independent National Electoral Commission of the cooperation of the palace and the Deji-in-Council in promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Oba Aladelusi gave the assurance when the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, led members of the commission’s management team on a courtesy visit to his palace in Akure.
The monarch’s pledge followed an appeal by Agboke for traditional rulers to deploy their influence at the grassroots to encourage eligible Nigerians to participate in ongoing electoral activities, particularly PVC collection.
The REC disclosed that more than 200,000 Permanent Voter Cards were yet to be collected across Ondo State, warning that failure by eligible voters to retrieve their cards could prevent them from exercising their franchise in the forthcoming elections.
Agboke described traditional institutions as critical partners in Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that their influence remained vital in promoting civic responsibility, peaceful coexistence and political participation among their subjects.
He urged the Deji to use his position and the influence of the palace to sensitise residents of Akure and surrounding communities on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating actively in the 2027 elections.
The REC also assured the monarch that INEC had intensified preparations for the forthcoming general elections, disclosing that the commission had commenced receiving non-sensitive election materials.
He said other logistical and operational arrangements were progressing towards ensuring credible, peaceful and seamless elections.
Responding, Oba Aladelusi commended INEC’s leadership for its efforts to strengthen the country’s electoral process and improve the credibility of elections.
The monarch assured the commission that the palace would remain open to collaboration with INEC and other stakeholders working towards the development of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and Nigeria.
He specifically pledged to mobilise his subjects and encourage eligible voters to collect their PVCs, while urging them to participate peacefully in the electoral process.
The monarch stressed the readiness of the palace and the Deji-in-Council to support initiatives capable of deepening democratic participation and ensuring that eligible residents were not excluded from the electoral process.
The INEC delegation included the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Victoria Adelusi, and other members of the commission’s management team in Ondo State.
The engagement highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between electoral authorities and traditional institutions in addressing voter apathy, improving PVC collection and strengthening public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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