INEC Raises Alarm Over Violence In Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is growing increasingly concerned about the escalating cycle of violence ahead of the governorship elections slated for November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the INEC, voiced his concerns during a meeting in Abuja on Friday, where he discussed the need for reviewing security ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Also present at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-Chair of ICCES, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Their attendance underscores the significance of the issues at hand and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure election security.

Yakubu said, “We should draw lessons from the challenges that occurred for improved performance not only in the next general election but also in the bye-elections, the eight off-cycle governorship elections and other electoral activities to be held over the next three years.

“As we review the conduct of the last general election, we also need to focus our attention on the forthcoming bye-elections and the three off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States. Campaigns in public in the three states commenced on 14th July 2023 and will continue until Thursday 9th November 2023 i.e. 24 hours to the opening of polls on Saturday 11th November 2023.

“Already, there are ominous signs in the form of violent clashes between opposing political parties and candidates. While maintaining strict neutrality, security agencies should take decisive action against purveyors of violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process.”

However, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Ribadu, promised unalloyed support to make every election in the country peaceful while thanking INEC for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections.

Ribadu said, “What INEC is doing especially on the technologies put in place, will bring the credibility of future elections and stabilise democracy in Nigeria.”