Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, wants security agencies to maintain vigilance to ensure that the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, slated for September 21st, 2024, and November 16th, 2024 run smoothly.
Yakubu gave the charge at a meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The INEC boss hammered on the need to protect election materials, polling activities personnel, while reminding security forces to adhere to the rules of engagement for electoral duties.
He stated, “For the security agencies, this is the time to be very vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in handling any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections”.
“In just 37 days, Edo State governorship election will be held and 93 days before voters in Ondo State will 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 also encourages political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain civility as campaigns intensify., stressing that peaceful campaigns are critical to ensuring peaceful elections in Edo and Ondo states.
“A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election. So, I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach election day and beyond”.
Yakubu also took heed to the other upcoming bye-elections across various states and stated that timetables will be released soon.
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During his recent address, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, served a stern warning, cautioning against any attempts to disrupt the governorship election in Edo State. Ribadu emphasized that the government is totally committed to ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
The Edo state voters were strongly reassured and urged to participate confidently in the election. Seventeen political parties are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their running mates in Edo State. The same number of parties and candidates are taking part in Ondo State.
The Commission has listed and published the final list of candidates for the elections in the both States.
Ribadu conclusively, stressed the role of security personnel and election officials as “guardians of democracy,” reminding them of their responsibility to protect every vote and ensure a safe election for all voters.
