By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged the security agencies to ensure that the September 21 and November 16 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states are violent free.
The commission at its quarterly meeting with the Inter Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held on Thursday in Abuja, showered praises on security agencies over their impressive handling of past elections. It emphasized the need for security agencies to keep eyes on the electioneering process, so as to prevent violent attacks or negative mobilization by political parties, candidates and their supporters during campaigns.
INEC Chairman, Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu told security personnel “to help enforce the law and prevent mutual destruction of campaign materials.”
He appreciated the security agencies for the proactive measures they took in ensuring the peaceful conclusion of the rerun and bye-eletion involving 4,904,627 registered voters spread across 80 local government areas, 575 electoral wards and 8,934 polling units.
Professor Yakubu also warned sitting governors to stop the illegal use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates’ access to public facilities such as Radio and television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies which often result in the breach of the peace.
He said, “I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process with a view to preventing violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates and their supporters during their campaigns.
“Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as Radio and Television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often result in the breach of the peace.
“These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law”.
The INEC boss also called on the security agencies to protect the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that will cover the registration of new voters’ exercise, which will soon commence in Edo and Ondo states in preparation for the elections.
“The CVR will take place at Ward level and our state headquarters. This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo state in addition to our state offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 registration centres in the two States.
“Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that will cover the exercise.
“The detailed locations of the registration centres have been compiled in a detailed 28-page document included in your folders for this meeting to guide your operational plans to secure the process.”
