By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) has urged civil organisations to engage with Political Parties and observe their primaries, ahead of Ondo State governorship primary election fixed to begin in two weeks time.

This, according to the electoral umpire would strengthen their advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) that are under-represented in elective offices at the National and State level.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Wednesday at the first quarterly consultative meeting with CSOs.

His words: “Turning to Ondo State, Political Parties will commence their primaries for the Governorship election in the next two weeks.

“Sixteen political parties have indicated interest in participating in the election. I urge Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to engage with Political Parties and observe their primaries just as you engage with INEC and deploy observers to the main election conducted by the Commission.

“By doing so, you will strengthen your advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, youths and Persons with Disability (PwD) that are under-represented in elective offices at National and State level.”