Edo, Ondo gubers: Security agencies vow to protect sanctity of the ballot

By Jude Opara, Abuja

With just weeks to the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections in September and November respectively, security agencies under the aegis of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), have vowed to ensure that voters I the two states freely go out on Election Day to call exercise their civic rights without any let or hindrance.
Co-chairman of ICCES and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu who was represented by Hassan Abdulahi said security agencies will use every lawful means to ensure that those who would want to disrupt the exercise would be dealt with according.
“Accordingly, given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the states, the NSA, who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCES has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.
“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
“To the voters, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with you and is determined to protect your voice. Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls.
“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mamood Yakubu said the Commission was ready to conduct a free and fair election in the two states.
Yakubu said the security agencies have been cooperating with the Commission in ensuring that its activities in the build up to the elections were effectively discharged.
“Your personnel have been supportive of all our activities during elections and the conduct of electoral activities such as the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States. The main focus of our meeting today is the forthcoming Governorship elections in the two States.
“The Commission has already announced the figures of new voters in the two States which have been added to the existing Register of Voters. As a result, Edo State now has 2,629,025 voters as against 2,501,081 voters for the 2023 General Election, representing 4.9% increase. In Ondo State, the current register is 2,053,061 voters as against 1,191,344 for the 2023 General Election, representing 3.0% increase”.
The INEC boss equally called on the security agencies to ensure that they discharged their election duties diligently especially with the commencement of campaigns in the states involved.
“Electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing. This is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes. A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election. I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach the election day and beyond. Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.
“For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections. Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.
“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way”.
However, the INEC Chairman who is also a Co-chairman of ICCES urged the security agencies to ensure that all their personnel abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.