Guardians of Democracy: INEC and Security Forces Vow to Protect Edo and Ondo Elections

Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states approach, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has underscored the critical role of security personnel in ensuring a smooth electoral process. In a recent emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held in Abuja, Yakubu issued a stern directive to security forces, stressing the need to address any threats to the electoral process with urgency and decisiveness.

Yakubu highlighted the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere throughout the electioneering period. He urged political party leaders and campaign spokespersons to temper their rhetoric, noting that a peaceful campaign often leads to a peaceful election. The INEC Chairman appealed to all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to uphold peace both before and after election day.

Emphasizing the role of security agencies, Yakubu reminded them of their duty to adhere to the code of conduct and rules of engagement established for electoral duties. He expressed concerns about the potential disruption of the elections by armed actors and called for heightened vigilance and enhanced collaboration between INEC and security agencies to ensure a seamless election process.

In preparation for the elections, Yakubu announced that INEC has finalized and published the list of candidates for both states. A total of seventeen political parties have fielded 34 governorship candidates, along with their running mates, for each state.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, represented by a Director from the NSA’s office, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to a peaceful electoral process. Ribadu warned against any attempts to undermine or disrupt the elections, describing such actions as a direct assault on democratic values. He assured voters that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to maintaining electoral integrity and that attempts to disrupt the process will not be tolerated.

Ribadu encouraged voters to cast their ballots with confidence and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He emphasized the critical role of security forces in protecting every ballot and ensuring that every voter feels safe, thus upholding the sanctity of the election.

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo, outlined the police’s preparations for the elections. Egbetokun assured that the police, in coordination with other security agencies, are ready to maintain order throughout the voting process. He emphasized that any interference from non-state actors would be effectively prevented, and he reassured the public that their votes will be counted and protected.

Egbetokun expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of INEC and the security forces, affirming their commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and secure electoral process.