Monitor Electioneering Processes To Avert Chaos – INEC To Security Agencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has urged security agencies to monitor the electioneering processes with a view to preventing violent attacks or negative mobilization by political parties during their campaigns.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu stated this in Abuja during a meeting with the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

Professor Yakubu urged security agencies to ensure that Parties in Power do not use the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as Radio and Television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies which often resultsvin the breach of peace.

‘’These actions, including destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violates provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law.’’

He also informed the security agencies that preparations for the successful conduct of Edo and Ondo governorship elections were on going and appealed to them to ensure the protection of both lives and property in the affected States.

In a remark, the Director Internal Security in the office of the National Security Adviser, Hassan Abdullahi, urged the security agencies that would participate in the coming election to carry out their duties professionally .

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji