INEC boss calls for vigilance ahead of Edo, Ondo gov polls

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, has called on security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the smooth conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

Yakubu made this call at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Edo and Ondo governorship polls are slated for September 21, 2024, and November 16, 2024, respectively.

The INEC boss emphasised the need to protect election materials, personnel, and polling activities while reminding security forces to adhere to the rules of engagement for electoral duties.

Yakubu expressed gratitude to security agencies for their support during recent electoral activities, including the Continuous Voter Registration in both states.

He noted, “For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

“Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.

“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.”

Yakubu also urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain civility as campaigns intensify.

The INEC chairman emphasised that peaceful campaigns are critical to ensuring peaceful elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He said, “Electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing. This is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes.

“A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election. I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach election day and beyond.

“Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.”

He also noted several upcoming bye-elections across various states and stated that timetables would be released soon.

These elections will fill vacancies in constituencies in Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Oyo, and others.

“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 the 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,” he added.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, issued a stern warning, cautioning against any attempts to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

With the election just over a month away, Ribadu emphasised that the government is fully committed to ensuring peaceful and credible polls.