INEC calls for peaceful conduct of Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission has called for a peaceful election in the November 11 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call at the quarterly meeting with political parties on Tuesday.

Yakubu noted that free and fair elections can be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, urging political parties to maintain peace during campaigns and on election day.

He said “As electioneering campaigns continue to intensify, the Commission reiterates its concern about the spate of violence in the three States involving parties and candidates. I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace.

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“After all, an election is a process involving human beings as voters, election officials, observers and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us.

“While we will continue to work with the security agencies in this regard, political parties acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Council also have an obligation to impress on your members, candidates and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession. I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond.”

In the same vein, the Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani said to reaffirm citizens’ confidence, INEC must continue to demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

“This is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step towards preserving the integrity of our democratic system.

“There is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations in spite of obvious encumbrances. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that elections in Nigeria are hitch-free, credible and substantially comply with the provisions of the controversial 2022 electoral act,” Sani stated.

He further challenged INEC to work diligently in persuading the security agencies to play by the rules of engagement and resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians.

The Chairman noted, “The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process, when it becomes unavailable, must be based on professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to the defence of our democracy, rather than partisan interests.

“The citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, knowing that their safety and security are assured.

“The present precarious state of insecurity in the country and in particular the three states where the November 11, 2023 off-season elections will be taking place poses a real threat to the full participation of the citizens in the exercise.”