'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called on security agencies to heighten their vigilance as the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States approach. Speaking at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Professor Yakubu emphasized the critical role of security personnel in ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
In his address, Professor Yakubu highlighted the importance of collaboration between INEC and security agencies at all levels. He acknowledged the support provided by security personnel during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and stressed the need for continued vigilance as election day nears. "You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections," Yakubu stated.
The forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo States have seen a notable increase in registered voters, with Edo State now boasting 2,629,025 voters, a 4.9% increase from the 2023 General Election. Ondo State has 2,053,061 registered voters, a 3.0% increase. Young and middle-aged voters (18-49 years old) make up a significant portion of the electorate, accounting for 72.2% in Edo and 70.5% in Ondo. Students represent 33.4% of the voters in these states.
Seventeen political parties are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their running mates in each state, with campaigns already in full swing. Professor Yakubu urged political parties and candidates to maintain peace and avoid negative rhetoric that could incite violence. "A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election," he noted.
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.