The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has emphasized the need for robust security measures during the forthcoming bye-elections and rerun elections across various constituencies in Nigeria.
In a recent meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held in Abuja, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu highlighted the two categories of elections scheduled for February. He emphasized that adequate security provisions are crucial, given the significance of these electoral processes.
The upcoming elections encompass bye-elections arising from the vacancies created by the demise or resignation of members of the National and State legislative houses, affecting two Senatorial Districts, four Federal, and three State Assembly Constituencies. Additionally, there are rerun elections mandated by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
It’s noteworthy that the elections impact 39 constituencies, which accounts for 2.6% of the total 1,491 constituencies involved in the 2023 General Election. Prof. Yakubu underlined the gravity of the security task ahead, stressing the importance of safeguarding the electoral process to ensure credibility and transparency.
He underscored the Commission’s commitment to providing comprehensive information on the election locations, including details on States, Local Government Areas, Registration Areas/Wards, and Polling Units. Furthermore, the Commission has shared the number of registered voters and Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collected in each Polling Unit with the Nigeria Police Force, the lead agency in election security.
The INEC Chairman also urged other members of ICCES to prioritize security for the elections, stressing the need for a secure environment to facilitate the deployment of personnel and materials, as well as the protection of observers, the media, and the representatives of political parties and candidates involved in the electoral process.
Given the intricacies associated with bye-elections and rerun elections, due attention was directed toward potential disruptive behavior by certain candidates and their supporters. It’s imperative to mitigate any challenges that may arise during these isolated election processes.
In conclusion, the INEC continues its unwavering focus on the seamless conduct of these critical elections, and their commitment to transparency and credibility remains resolute. The updated information on election locations will be promptly disseminated through the Commission’s official platforms for public awareness, underscoring their dedication to inclusivity and information sharing.
