Edo poll: Security on alert as INEC raises alarm over violence

The Federal Government has warned that any attempt by political thugs to disrupt the September 21 Edo state governorship election would be met with stiff resistance.

The Government warned that those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

National Security Adviser NSA, Nuhu Ribadu gave the warning on Wednesday at the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ICCES hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

Ahead of the election, there is heightened tension among political parties and their supporters, fuelling fears of election-day violence.

A report released by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) in July revealed that a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the prospects for a peaceful voting process in Edo state.

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The document specifically revealed that no Local Government Area in Edo state has the possibility of being relatively peaceful in the upcoming governorship election.

While assuring Nigerians of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election, Ribadu who is the co-chair of ICCES

maintained that an attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of Nigeria’s democratic values.

“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”, Ribadu stated.

He encouraged residents to come out and vote confidently, saying the government is “standing with you and is determined to protect your voice.”

He added: “Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls.

“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.

“Finally, let’s move forward knowing that together we are stronger and that we will protect the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024.

Earlier, INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed concerns about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.

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He appealed to security agencies to be more vigilant while leaving no stone unturned in dealing with real or potential threats to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

Yakubu said: “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.

“I must also add that in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.

“We are again including copies of the document in your folders for this meeting. The same document is available on our website as well as the websites of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

“While we focus on Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, I also wish to inform you that there are a number of outstanding bye-elections for which Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and some State Houses of Assembly have declared vacancies.

“At our last meeting, the Commission informed you about the existence of vacancies for 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.

“At this meeting, we will present to you the summary of the delimitation statistics of these constituencies to enable you begin preparations for security deployment ahead of the release of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the bye-elections.”