INEC Chief Calls On Security Forces To Safeguard Peaceful Electoral Process In Edo, Ondo

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has urged security agencies to maintain vigilance over the electoral process in Edo and Ondo States, aiming to thwart any violent incidents by political entities and their supporters during campaigning………….CONTINUE READING

This appeal was voiced during a gathering of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security held in Abuja on Thursday.

Yakubu underscored the significance of security agencies safeguarding registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists engaged in the Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) preceding the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo.

The CVR exercise will be concurrently conducted in both states from Monday, May 27, to Wednesday, June 5, spanning from 9 am to 3 pm daily, including weekends.

He implored security agencies to uphold law enforcement measures throughout the election period, stressing the pivotal role of a peaceful and well-ordered electoral process.

“We require security coverage for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists involved in the CVR exercise. I urge you to maintain oversight of the electoral process to prevent violent attacks or negative mobilization by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during their campaigns.

“Likewise, the abuse of incumbency to obstruct opposition parties and candidates from accessing public facilities such as radio and television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies, or outdoor advertising by imposing exorbitant fees and levies often leads to breaches of peace.

“These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, contravene the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. Security agencies must ensure the enforcement of the law,” he emphasized.

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