INEC To Engage Police In Preparation For 2019 General Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that its in talks with the Nigeria Police Force on the modalities for the deployment of officers during the 2019 general election.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, stated this during a Stakeholders’ Security Summit tagged ” Election Security’’ on Tuesday in Abuja.

Yakubu, who agreed that security during and after the polls was important, stated that the rule of engagement will be made clear to the personnels.

He added that the commission would work with the force to ensure that anybody who goes against electoral rules are brought to book.

“INEC will be solely in charge of all elections while the police will be in charge of security,” he said.

Yakubu, took time to admonished Non-Governmental Organizations, Traditional and religious leaders to rally their followers to collect their Permanent Voters Card.

“We shall continue to work with the security agencies to prosecute violators during elections,” he said.

The Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole said that the party was committed to free, fair and credible election in 2019.

The Chairman urged political leaders to play by the roles of the polls to forestall violence during the elections.

On his part, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Mr Kaura Yahaya, appealed to security agencies to be neutral in the discharge of the duties.

Saraki reemphasized the National Assembly’ s commitment towards credible election in 2019.

The summit was attended by members of political parties, NGOs, the military, market women, members of diplomatic corps among others.