As the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states approach, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has cautioned against the misuse of incumbency power.
Yakubu emphasized that denying opposition parties access to campaign venues can lead to unrest and violence.
He appealed for comprehensive security protection for INEC personnel and materials during the elections, according to the Punch.
In preparation for the elections, INEC will conduct Continuous Voter Registration in both states from May 27 to June 5, from 9 am to 3 pm daily, including weekends.
Political campaigns in Edo State began on April 24, 2024, and will conclude at midnight on September 19, 2024.
Addressing the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja, on Thursday, Yakubu stressed the crucial role of security agencies in enforcing the law and maintaining a peaceful election process.
He urged vigilance over the electioneering process to prevent violent attacks, negative mobilization, and other forms of electoral malpractice by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during campaigns.
He said, “We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists that will cover the CVR exercise.
“I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process to prevent violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during their campaigns.
“Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities, such as radio and television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies, or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often results in the breach of the peace.
“These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies must ensure the enforcement of the law,” he said.
The National Security Adviser and co-chair of ICCES, Nuhu Ribadu, stressed the need for the same level of dedication and effort in the forthcoming elections as was demonstrated in previous ones.
Ribadu highlighted the importance of strategic deployment, cautioning against overwhelming the system with excessive numbers.
Represented by the Director of Internal Security in the ONSA, Hassan Abdullahi, the NSA said, “The same efforts for the previous elections would be extended to the forthcoming elections.
“However, we need to be careful in our deployment in terms of numbers so that we will not overburden the system.”
