The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has challenged Security agencies in the country to redouble their efforts and secure the nation for electoral activities to take place in a peaceful and secure environment.
He noted that the Commission and the security agencies were heading for a very busy period, ahead of a series of political activities and other outstanding bye-elections ahead of the 2023 general election.
The INEC Chairman made the call at the opening of the Commission’s Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with security agencies under the aegis of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), held on Friday, 13th May, 2022, at INEC’s Headquarters, Abuja.
Professor Yakubu who also doubles as Co-Chairman of ICCES, while addressing security chiefs at the meeting said; “even as we prepare for the 2023 General Election, the Commission is also preparing for two off-cycle Governorship elections in Ekiti State on 18th June 2022 and in Osun State on 16th July 2022”.
“Furthermore, we have pending bye-elections in 18 constituencies across the country involving three Senatorial Districts, one Federal Constituency (i.e. House of Representatives seat) and 14 State Constituencies (i.e. House of Assembly seats)”.
He continued: “In addition, as political parties end their primaries on 3rd June 2022 and candidates emerge, campaigns in public by political parties will commence nationwide as provided by the Timetable for the election in line with the provision of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Going forward, the Commission and security agencies have our work clearly cut out for us”.
Decrying the state of insecurity, but expressing confidence that given the ample time available, the situation could be brought under control for secure and peaceful electioneering, the INEC Chairman said “the general security situation in the country and its impact on the electoral process is a source of concern to the Commission. However, we are confident that with nine months to the 2023 General Election, there is enough time to respond to the security challenges and secure the nation for elections to take place nationwide”.
“The Timetable for the election has also been released. Let us not wait until a few weeks to the election before we realise that time is not on our side and begin to seek for extension of timelines. The time to act is now. We wish to reassure the security agencies that we will continue to work cooperatively with you to ensure the success of all forthcoming elections and electoral activities”, he assured .
Professor Yakubu disclosed that the Commission on its part is collating data on areas prone to security challenges through the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) with the aim of engaging security agencies on best ways to tackle such challenges.
In his words “We have tasked our Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to provide basic data on areas of security challenges in their States, including citizens living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Our idea is to harvest the data as a basis for further engagement with the security agencies as well as devising the best way to provide electoral services to all Nigerians under all circumstances”.
On his part, the Co-Chairman of ICCES and National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), represented by Sanusi Galadima noted with utmost concern, the growing uncertainty heralding the conduct of party primaries for 2023 elections.
He said “this is in addition to the unabated spate of violence that threatened the upcoming off cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States, arising from internal party wranglings, increasing acrimony and bickering amongst political actors as well as the inability of various contending political blocs to amicably resolve differences in line with democratic tenants”.
The NSA added that the disturbing development “has already culminated in intense power play capable of heightening unnecessary political tension across the country. More worrisome is the unguarded utterances of some highly respected individuals and groups which more often than not amplifies divisive narratives to the detriment of national security and stability”.
General Monguno disclosed that “heads of security and law enforcement agencies have been tasked to step up close monitoring and profiling of political actors no matter how highly placed who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process, even as thugs and their sponsors would equally be trailed for possible arrest and prosecution”.
He further stressed the need for INEC to continue to impress on political parties to consistently abide by prescribed rules as outlined in their respective manifestos. This is to significantly reduce areas of conflict and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a hitch-free off-cycle and general elections.
