INEC/ ICCES MEETING: INEC Chairman’s Call to Action for Peaceful Elections, As Security Agencies vow to to Protect Edo and Ondo Governorship
Oru Leonard
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), addressed a crucial meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on August 14, 2024. The gathering aimed to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Yakubu expressed appreciation for the support of ICCES members in previous elections and highlighted the importance of their collaboration in ensuring the success of the forthcoming polls. He presented statistics on the increased number of registered voters in both states, with a focus on young and middle-aged voters.
The INEC Chairman urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace during the electioneering campaigns, emphasizing that a peaceful campaign often leads to a peaceful election. He also called on security agencies to be vigilant and proactive in addressing potential threats to the electoral process.
Yakubu reminded security personnel to abide by the code of conduct and rules of engagement for electoral duty, ensuring a safe and transparent voting environment. Additionally, he informed the meeting about outstanding bye-elections and presented delimitation statistics for the affected constituencies.
With the elections approaching, Yakubu’s call to action emphasizes the need for collective effort in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process. The success of the elections depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and the electorate.
Amidst security concerns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States approach, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, has assured the nation that security agencies will ensure the protection of both men and materials during the polls.
Speaking at the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting with INEC in Abuja, Ribadu, represented by Mr. Hassan Abdullahi, warned that any attempt to undermine or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections would be viewed as an assault on democratic values.
The NSA appealed to the electorate to abide by the laws of the land, stating that anyone found wanting would face the full wrath of the law. He urged security personnel and election officials to ensure that every ballot was protected, every voter safe, and the sanctity of the election upheld.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, also reiterated the commitment of security agencies to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
With the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the states, the NSA’s warning serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of electoral malfeasance. As the nation prepares for the critical elections, the assurance of security agencies provides a sense of hope for a peaceful and democratic process.
