Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in various parts of the country and its potential impact on the February 3 rerun and bye-elections nationwide.
Speaking at the first quarter meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security on Tuesday, January 23, Prof. Yakubu urged security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, and representatives of service Chiefs, to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections.
Highlighting the multi-stakeholders’ responsibilities of elections, Prof. Yakubu emphasized, “Without a secure and peaceful environment, the conduct of credible elections is imperiled.”
He further shared concerns about potential disruptive behaviours by candidates and their supporters during isolated elections such as bye-elections and re-run elections. Reports from various states raised additional worries about the impact of prevailing insecurity, exacerbated by inflammatory statements from political actors.
The INEC chairman stressed that Nigeria no longer has an election season, as elections are held throughout the year. He mentioned the pressure on both INEC and security agencies due to the continuous electoral activities. Prof. Yakubu revealed plans for off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States later in 2024.
Providing details on the elections scheduled for February 3, 2024, Prof. Yakubu explained the two categories: bye-elections covering entire constituencies and re-run elections ordered by Election Petition Appeal Tribunals, affecting specific polling units.
He called on the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure security for the elections, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between security agencies and INEC.
The National Security Adviser and co-chairman of ICCES, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the director of Internal Security, echoed the President’s stance on the crucial role of security agencies in ensuring the credibility of elections.
He assured that the office of the NSA will continue to collaborate with INEC to ensure that elections are conducted in a secure environment, adding that the protection of election materials and the electorates will be paramount.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun in his word said the security agencies were aware of the challenges of isolated elections and assured Nigerians that they were on top of the situation.
He said the police have conducted a threat analysis in the states where the elections will take place and will deploy adequate personnel to the areas for the elections.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, assured Nigerians that security agencies were aware of the challenges and conducted a threat analysis in states where elections would take place. He pledged to deploy adequate personnel to ensure a secure environment for the elections.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to share updated information on election locations, registered voters, and PVCs on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.
