Outcome of Ekiti election will determine 2019 general elections - Okei-Odumakin

macfranc007 July 13, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Naija news 24/7 Wale Akinola

- A non-governmental organisation, WA, has called on security agencies to support INEC during Ekiti election

- The group's president, Joe Okei-Odumaki, said that the outcome of Ekiti election would determine 2019 general elections

- She also urged security agencies to act professionally throughout the Ekiti state election period and beyond

The Women Arise for Change Initiative (WA), has said that the Ekiti State 2018 gubernatorial election is a litmus test for the 2019 general elections and all eyes globally will be on the state.

NAIJ.com reports that, Joe Okei-Odumakin, who is the president of women arise, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, July 13, in Lagos that it was critical that security agencies support INEC in the conduct of a free, fair and credible election in the state.

Women Arise for Change Initiative (WA) is one of the 54 election observation groups accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the 2018 Ekiti election on Saturday, July 14.

“It should be noted that the Ekiti state 2018 gubernatorial election is very important and it is a litmus test for the 2019 general elections and the whole world is watching us.

“We are calling on all stakeholders to ensure that all hands are on deck to sustain the democratic gains we have obtained in the past few years.

“Politicians and those contesting in this election are encouraged to respect the rights of the electorate by adhering to the rule of the game.

“They should inform and educate their supporters on the need to eschew violence and embrace peace in all their activities”, she said.

Okei-Odumakin urged security agencies to act professionally throughout the Ekiti state election period and beyond.

“The unfortunate incidence of forceful dispersion of citizens embarking on a peaceful campaign rally at Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, July 11, is not helpful to maintaining peace in the state,” she said.

Okei-Odumakin appealed to eligible voters with the PVCs in the state to come out enmasse to vote for candidates of their choice. (NAN)

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had earlier reported that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said he is not happy with what is happening in Ekiti state ahead of the governorship election holding on Saturday, July 14.

Ekiti 2018: Water tight security in Ado-Ekiti as INEC expects election materials - on NAIJ.com TV