Janet Samuel, Abuja
With the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States just around the corner, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has stressed the importance of robust security arrangements and urged security agencies to be more vigilant.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this at the meeting of Inter -Agency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES), in Abuja on Tuesday.
Professor Yakubu stressed the importance of ICCES personnel in adhering to the established code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel involved in electoral duties.
” 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.
He therefore advised the security agencies to be more vigilant.
The INEC Boss disclosed that the commission has announced the figures of new voters in the two States which have been added to the existing Register of Voters. As a result, Edo State now has 2,629,025 voters as against 2,501,081 voters for the 2023 General Election, representing 4.9% increase. In Ondo State, the current register is 2,053,061 voters as against 1,191,344 for the 2023 General Election, representing 3.0% increase.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu who is also the Co-Chair of ICCES, represented by the Director, Internal Security, Hassan Abdullahi, warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.
He reassured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering, advising those planning to disrupt the elections to desist.
‘We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls”.
He urged voters in Edo State, to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with them and is determined to protect their voices.
