As the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states approach, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies are ramping up efforts to ensure peaceful and transparent elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, issued a clear directive to security officers, emphasizing that they should take firm action against any threat—either actual or potential—aimed at disrupting the voting process.
Speaking at an emergency meeting in Abuja with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Yakubu stressed the importance of maintaining peace, urging political party leaders and their spokespersons to dial down inflammatory rhetoric. He noted that calm campaigns generally lead to peaceful elections and pleaded with political parties, their candidates, and supporters to remain peaceful throughout the process.
However, Yakubu also pointed out that the security forces need to operate within the rules. He reminded them to follow established codes of conduct while dealing with any disruptions. These preparations come as concerns grow over the possible actions of both state and non-state actors, who might try to interfere with the election process. Therefore, Yakubu emphasized the importance of close collaboration between INEC and the security agencies to protect the elections.
With just over a month left before the Edo governorship election and less than three months to the polls in Ondo, Yakubu assured that logistics, the training of officials, and other critical elements of the election process were being managed to avoid any interference. He also confirmed that INEC had published the final list of candidates for both states, with 17 political parties fielding candidates in each state.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, through a representative, echoed these concerns, particularly highlighting incidents of violence within political factions in Edo and Ondo. He warned that any attempt to disrupt the elections would be seen as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy. Ribadu stressed that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, is committed to ensuring peaceful elections and will use every legal avenue to uphold the integrity of the polls.
The security agencies have been placed on high alert, and Ribadu reassured voters that they could cast their ballots confidently, knowing that their safety and the integrity of their votes would be protected. He urged the public to report any suspicious activity during the election process.
Meanwhile, the police, represented by Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, reaffirmed that comprehensive measures were being put in place to ensure that the elections in both states would be conducted peacefully. Ogunlowo added that non-state actors attempting to interfere with the process would not be tolerated. He emphasized that any such disruptions would be swiftly dealt with, as they have no constitutional role in the voting process.
