The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, has known as on safety companies to stay vigilant and make sure the clean conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
Yakubu made this name at a gathering 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 necessity to shield election supplies, personnel, and polling actions whereas reminding safety forces to stick to the principles of engagement for electoral duties.
Yakubu expressed gratitude to safety companies for his or her help throughout current electoral actions, together with the Continuous Voter Registration in each states.
He famous, “For the safety companies, that is the time to be extra vigilant. You ought to depart no stone unturned in coping with any actual or potential menace to the conduct of peaceable and clear elections.
“Already, considerations have been expressed about the potential 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 additionally urged political events, candidates, and their supporters to take care of civility as campaigns intensify.
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The INEC chairman emphasised that peaceable campaigns are important to making sure peaceable elections in Edo and Ondo states.
He mentioned, “Electioneering campaigns by political events are ongoing. This is normally a time of concern and nervousness about safety as political events canvass for votes.
“A peaceable marketing campaign usually heralds a peaceable election. I urge political events, candidates and their supporters to take care of the peace as we method election day and past.
“Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.”
He additionally famous a number of upcoming bye-elections throughout numerous states and acknowledged that timetables can be launched quickly.
These elections will fill vacancies in constituencies in Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Oyo, and others.
“While we deal with Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, I additionally want to inform you that there are a selection of excellent bye-elections for which Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and a few State Houses of Assembly have declared vacancies.
“At our final assembly, the Commission knowledgeable you concerning 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 in opposition to any makes an attempt to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
With the election simply over a month away, Ribadu emphasised that the federal government is absolutely dedicated to making sure peaceable and credible polls.
The NSA, who additionally serves as Co-Chair of ICCES addressed the political tensions already surfacing within the state, noting the presence of inter and intra-party disputes.
Ribadu represented by the Director of Internal Security within the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, careworn that any interference with the election can be handled as an assault on the nation’s democratic values.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful elections is unwavering,” the NSA mentioned, vowing that the federal government will defend the integrity of the election by any lawful means vital.
He made it clear that the federal government’s dedication to peace shouldn’t be mistaken for weak point.
“Anyone attempting to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election will face the full force of the law,” he warned, including that safety companies have been positioned on excessive alert and are prepared to reply swiftly and decisively to any menace.
The NSA additionally reassured Edo voters, urging them to take part confidently within the election.
“The government stands with you and is determined to protect your voice,” he mentioned, encouraging voters to promptly report any suspicious actions or threats to the authorities.
He known as for collective vigilance to stop any makes an attempt to disrupt the polls.
In a message directed to safety personnel and election officers, Ribadu careworn their function as “guardians of democracy,” reminding them of their duty to guard each vote and guarantee a protected setting for all voters.
The Commission has printed the ultimate checklist of candidates for the elections within the two States.
Seventeen political events are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their working mates in Edo State. The similar variety of events and candidates are taking part in Ondo State.
The present cumulative determine of voters within the two States is 4,682,086.