INEC Expresses Concern Over Escalating Violence Ahead Of Governorship Elections; Security Measures Under Review

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised alarm over the increasing violence witnessed in the lead-up to the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a meeting in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, discussed the urgent need to review security measures ahead of the 2023 general elections….CONTINUE READING

The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting was attended by key figures, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-Chair of ICCES, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the necessity for coordinated efforts to ensure election security.

Prof. Yakubu stressed the importance of learning from the challenges experienced during past elections and using that knowledge to enhance performance in upcoming bye-elections, off-cycle governorship elections, and other electoral activities over the next three years.

Campaigns for the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States have already begun, but there have been concerning incidents of violent clashes between opposing political parties and candidates.

The INEC Chairman urged security agencies to maintain strict neutrality while taking decisive action against purveyors of violence and undemocratic activities like vote buying, attacks on election officials, and disruptions to the electoral process.

In response, the National Security Adviser, Ribadu, pledged full support to ensure peaceful elections in the country.

He commended INEC for their efforts, particularly the implementation of new technologies that would enhance the credibility of future elections and contribute to the stability of democracy in Nigeria.