INEC Solicits Adequate Security For Rerun Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC wants security agencies to secure the electoral space to enable the Commission to deploy personnel and materials for the February 3rd Bye Elections and Rerun Elections across the country.

The National Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu made the call while addressing members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES during a consultative meeting in Abuja

The INEC Chairman who doubles as the Chairman of ICCES, emphasized that elections are multi-stakeholder responsibility, stating that without a secured and peaceful environment, the conduct of credible elections is impossible.

According to him, it is the responsibility of security agencies to provide a conducive environment to enable the commission deploy personnel and materials, ensure the protection of observers, the media as well as the polling and collation agents representing the political parties and candidates.

The INEC Chairman pointed out that from experience, the conduct of isolated elections such as bye-elections and re-run elections can be very challenging.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-Chairman of ICCES, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu ably represented by the Director of Internal Security at the office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi commended INEC for the successful conduct of the Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo Governorship Elections.

The NSA said his office and security agencies will collaborate with INEC to ensure that the February 3rd bye and re run elections are conducted in a secured and peaceful environment.

Mallam Ribadu added that learning from the last off-cycle elections, strategic planning for post-election security is crucial for maintaining law and order to prevent post-election violence and address any security challenge that may arise following the announcement of election results.

On his part, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun said the Police as the Lead Agency in election security will provide security alongside other security agencies for the elections.

According to him, the Nigeria Police has analyzed all the 26 States where the elections are going to take place and will deploy logistics according to the strength and threat assessment.

By Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji