By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has urged the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) not to leave any stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections in Nigeria.
He disclosed that concerns have already been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.
He disclosed that concerns have already been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.The INEC Chairman who gave the mandate in his speech at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja expressed the Commission’s appreciation to all members of ICCES at national, state and local government levels.
Prof Yakubu mentioned that the personnel have been supportive of all INEC activities during elections and the conduct of electoral activities such as the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States.
According to him, all the personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.
“For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant” he said.
INEC Chairman informed members of ICCES that the Commission has published the final list of candidates for the elections in the two States. Seventeen (17) political parties are fielding 34 Governorship candidates and their running mates in Edo State.
“We are again including copies of the document in your folders for this meeting.
“The same document is available on our website as well as the websites of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
“The same number of parties and candidates are participating in Ondo State. Electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing.
“This is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes. A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election.
“Seventeen political parties are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their running mates in each state, with campaigns already in full swing” he noted.
Prof Yakubu called on security agencies to heighten their vigilance as the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States approach.
He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach the election day and beyond while Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.
In his remark, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu who is also the Co-Chair of ICCES, represented by Hassan Abdullahi, Director, Internal Security warned that any attempts to disrupt the elections would be met with the full force of the law, saying the administration’s commitment to peaceful elections.
According to him, those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
Mallam Ribadu challenged voters in Edo and Ondo States to participate confidently, with assurances that the government is committed to protecting their voices.
The NSA also highlighted the crucial role of voters in reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls” NSA said