INEC Chairman alerts security agencies ahead of Edo, Ondo elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged security agencies to be vigilant and leave no stone unturned in ensuring peaceful and transparent elections in the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Speaking at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Yakubu expressed concerns about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the electoral process.

“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,” Prof. Yakubu said.

He emphasized the need for security agencies to be proactive in dealing with any real or potential threats to the conduct of peaceful elections, with 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days to the Ondo State polls.

Prof. Yakubu also reminded security personnel to abide by the code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty, saying “all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.”

He also urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid negative rhetoric, saying “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 the election day and beyond. Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.”

The meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and representatives of security, intelligence, law enforcement, and safety agencies.

In his response,The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu who is also the Co-Chair of ICCES, represented by Hassan Y Abdullahi, Director, Internal Security reinforced this call for vigilance. The NSA warned that any attempts to disrupt the elections would be met with the full force of the law, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to peaceful elections. “Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness,” the NSA’s representative declared.

Voters in Edo and Ondo States were encouraged 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,” the NSA representative stated.

Professor Yakubu also informed the committee of several outstanding bye-elections in various states, for which security preparations are already underway. He concluded by reiterating the importance of adherence to the code of conduct for security personnel on electoral duty and thanked the ICCES members for their continued support.

As the elections draw closer, the message from both INEC and security agencies is clear: vigilance, integrity, and collaboration are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.

The gubernatorial election in Edo State is scheduled for September 21, 2024, while the gubernatorial election in Ondo State will take place on November 16, 2024.