Nigeria’s upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on November 11 have received an order from President Bola Tinubu, demanding that the polls be conducted with utmost fairness and credibility, according to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu made these comments during a meeting held on Friday in Abuja with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, as part of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
Ribadu, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, assured the INEC chairman of the preparedness of security agencies for the upcoming elections. He emphasized that the security agencies are working diligently to meet the necessary security requirements and ensure a smooth electoral process.
“With just two weeks remaining until the elections, a substantial amount of work has already been done in preparation. The security interaction is ongoing,” Ribadu stated.
He continued, “We want to assure you that we are fully ready and fully prepared. In a democracy, nothing is more important than a free and fair election. This government is determined to provide that to the Nigerian people.”
Ribadu further relayed President Tinubu’s message to INEC and Nigerians, stating, “President Tinubu wants to see a free, fair, and credible election. This election will be the first to take place under his watch, and he is committed to supporting you to ensure that Nigeria experiences a transparent electoral process.”
“He also stressed the significance of this message for politicians and all stakeholders; that there is nothing more crucial than having a free and fair election if we truly desire progress in our country,” Ribadu added.
Reassuring the Nigerian populace, Ribadu concluded, “We want to assure Nigerians that this election will surpass its predecessors. It will be free, fair, devoid of interference, and credible.”
