The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, has called on security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the smooth conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
Yakubu made this call at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The Edo and Ondo governorship polls are slated for September 21, 2024, and November 16, 2024, respectively.
The INEC boss emphasised the need to protect election materials, personnel, and polling activities while reminding security forces to adhere to the rules of engagement for electoral duties.
Yakubu expressed gratitude to security agencies for their support during recent electoral activities, including the Continuous Voter Registration in both states.
He noted, “For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.
“Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.
“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.”
Yakubu also urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain civility as campaigns intensify.
The INEC chairman emphasised that peaceful campaigns are critical to ensuring peaceful elections in Edo and Ondo states.
He said, “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. I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach election day and beyond.
“Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.”
He also noted several upcoming bye-elections across various states and stated that timetables would be released soon.
These elections will fill vacancies in constituencies in Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Oyo, and others.
“While we focus on Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, I also wish to inform you that there are a number of outstanding bye-elections for which Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and some State Houses of Assembly have declared vacancies.
“At our last meeting, the Commission informed you about the existence of vacancies for the Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State, Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency of Kano, Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.
“Since then, two more vacancies have been declared for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State,” he added.
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, issued a stern warning, cautioning against any attempts to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
With the election just over a month away, Ribadu emphasised that the government is fully committed to ensuring peaceful and credible polls.
The NSA, who also serves as Co-Chair of ICCES addressed the political tensions already surfacing in the state, noting the presence of inter and intra-party disputes.
Ribadu represented by the Director of Internal Security in the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, stressed that any interference with the election would be treated as an assault on the nation’s democratic values.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful elections is unwavering,” the NSA said, vowing that the government will defend the integrity of the election by any lawful means necessary.
He made it clear that the government’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Anyone attempting to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election will face the full force of the law,” he warned, adding that security agencies have been placed on high alert and are ready to respond swiftly and decisively to any threat.
The NSA also reassured Edo voters, urging them to participate confidently in the election.
“The government stands with you and is determined to protect your voice,” he said, encouraging voters to promptly report any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities.
He called for collective vigilance to prevent any attempts to disrupt the polls.
In a message directed to security personnel and election officials, Ribadu stressed their role as “guardians of democracy,” reminding them of their responsibility to protect every vote and ensure a safe environment for all voters.
The Commission has published the final list of candidates for the elections in the two States.
Seventeen political parties are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their running mates in Edo State. The same number of parties and candidates are participating in Ondo State.
The current cumulative figure of voters in the two States is 4,682,086.
