The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties, candidates and voters to ensure peaceful conduct before, during and after the 2027 general election.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal at a major stakeholders meeting on Thursday at the commission’s offices at Akure South and North Local Government Area of the state.

Political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, NYSC members, National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) and other drivers union, among others were present.

Agboke, who visited the traditional ruler of Iju and Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area, said the stakeholders meeting became necessary to ensure the forthcoming election was free, fair and credible.

According to him, credible elections are a collective responsibility and that security, traditional institutions and transport unions all play a critical role in protecting voters, officials and election materials.

The REC, who said INEC would remain neutral and transparent, warned that the commission would not tolerate partisan leaning, vote-buying, intimidation or any act capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

“This advocacy is for the commission and our major stakeholders to be on the same page because our expectation is to let votes count.

“The recent elections conducted by INEC are enough proof to show that people’s votes determine the direction of who wins.

“Meanwhile, we don’t want them to engage in violence, nobody should allow him or herself or wards to be used for violence and desist from engaging in vote buying.

“It is only votes lawfully cast and duly counted would determine winners,” he said.

He, therefore, assured that INEC officials had been trained to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act and its guidelines, while the commission’s doors remained open for questions and clarifications to avoid misinformation.

Agboke reiterated INEC’s promise of neutrality, saying that preparations for the 2027 general elections had already begun in earnest.

According to the REC, the success recorded in recent by-elections in the state will be built upon to deliver free, fair and inclusive polls that reflect the will of the people.

In their separate responses, Oba Idowu Faborode, The Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu; Oba Amos Farukanmi, The Okiti of Iju and religious leaders, pledged to sensitise their subjects and congregations on non-violence.

Also, Dr Gbenga Jemiloye, Akure South Local Government Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), applauded the commission for the meeting, saying it showed INEC was ready for the election.

The security agencies and drivers union assured of adequate deployment across the state, while the transport unions committed to timely movement of personnel and materials.(NAN)

By David Torough, Abuja

The management and staff of DAILY ASSET have announced the death of the newspaper’s Political Editor, Mike Odiakose, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, following a brief illness.

Odiakose, aged 63, was described by the management of DAILY ASSET as an accomplished journalist, who served with dedication across various media organisations in Nigeria before joining the newspaper two years ago.

In a statement personally signed by the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of DAILY ASSET, Dr.

Cletus Akwaya, the newspaper expressed sadness over the death of the veteran journalist, saying he would be deeply missed by his colleagues and members of the wider media community.

“Management and Staff of DAILY ASSET regret to announce the sudden passing of our Political Editor, Mr Mike Odiakose in the early hours of today (Yesterday), following a brief illness at the Federal Medical Centre Keffi,” the statement said.

The management noted that Odiakose’s contributions to journalism extended beyond DAILY ASSET, where he worked for two years, having previously served with dedication in several media organisations across the country.

He is survived by his wife and children.

The newspaper prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and offered its condolences to his family, colleagues and associates.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement added.

The management of Nigerian dancer and entertainer, Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has called for restraint in the spread of negative narratives surrounding the entertainer’s ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom.

The management, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Poco Lee’s manager, Faleye “Dee-Y” Adedoyin, also acknowledged the support of Nigerian singer, Zlatan Ibile, and others during the entertainer’s legal ordeal.

Adedoyin said Zlatan and others had been “extremely supportive and helpful” throughout the matter, adding that their involvement had been vital to moving things forward.

The statement read, “We would like to publicly acknowledge that Zlatan, along with others, has been extremely supportive and helpful through this matter.

“Their involvement, support, and effort have been vital to moving things forward.

“We deeply value their ongoing support and dedication and we kindly request that everyone refrain from spreading negative narratives.”

The manager signed off the statement as “Poco’s Management.”

The statement followed reports and comments about Poco Lee’s UK trip and the circumstances surrounding his ongoing court case.

Social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had made the claims, questioning reports that Poco Lee had travelled to the UK for a Davido show.

In an Instagram post, VeryDarkMan claimed that Poco Lee travelled to the UK for a Zlatan show rather than a Davido concert.

He also questioned why people were defending Poco Lee while the case remained before the court.

VeryDarkMan said, “In between Poco Lee didn’t travel to the UK for a Davido show, it was for a Zlatan show.”

He also said Poco Lee should be allowed to face the court process, adding that “court case na stress” and praying that the matter would end soon.

The latest development comes amid ongoing proceedings against Poco Lee in the UK.

Poco Lee was granted bail on September 11 ahead of his scheduled appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15. The court had confirmed the bail and hearing date to PUNCH Online.

However, the September 15 plea and trial preparation hearing was adjourned to February 8, 2027, after the charge sheet was reportedly unavailable and Poco Lee did not appear in court. The trial was subsequently scheduled for March 8, 2027.

Poco Lee is facing five sexual offence charges in the UK: attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration. He has denied the allegations and has not been convicted of any offence.

His management had previously urged the public and media to exercise restraint, particularly over unverified narratives surrounding the case, saying allegations should not be treated as evidence of guilt.