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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed security agencies to take decisive action against purveyors of violence and other undemocratic activities like vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process.
Chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal at a meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja on Friday.
He noted that though the commission drives the process, howrah a secure environment for the conduct of peaceful elections is the responsibility of the security agencies in partnership with the commission.
Yakubu particularly expressed happiness that despite the concerns that the perennial insecurity in some parts of country before the 2023 election may make deployment of personnel and materials, and consequently the conduct of polls, impossible, the security agencies ensuted that it did not materialise.
“Similarly, during our interactive meetings with political parties, civil society organisations and the media, some specific security issues of concern were identified. We assured them that their concerns will be tabled at this meeting for appropriate remedial action.
“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.
“We have a lot to discuss at this meeting. On this note, let me once again welcome you all and I look forward to a robust engagement,” he noted.
On the reason for the meeting, he said: “The meeting today is a combination of both our regular consultative engagement and a review of the 2023 General Election. The commission has been engaging with our staff and critical stakeholders for the review of the election.
“In fact, this is the seventh meeting since the commencement of the reviews about four weeks ago on 4th July 2023. As you are aware, election is a multi-stakeholder activity. Although INEC drives the process, a secure environment for the conduct of peaceful elections is the responsibility of the security agencies working in partnership with the commission.
“The synergy enabled us to overcome many of the challenges prior to the 2023 general election, including the targeted attacks on INEC offices nationwide.
“Indeed, the concern that the perennial insecurity in some parts of country before the election may make our deployment of personnel and materials, and consequently the conduct of polls, impossible did not materialise. We wish to place on record our appreciation to the security agencies and other members of ICCES for the largely peaceful conduct of the polls.
“At the same time, 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,” he said.
Speaking during the meeting, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, described the 2023 presidential election as the best poll ever to be conducted in Nigeria, assuring the commission of harmonious working relationships.
