The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reminded heads of security agencies in the country of their constitutional duty to protect citizens during elections.
INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu made the call at the first regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, for the year 2025.
The INEC boss said attention must be paid to the manace of vote-buying.
He said that the Commission’s experience in the management of logistics during the last Ondo State governorship election would be used as the template for future elections.
“Better coordination in the deployment of security and electoral officials contributed to the early commencement of polls and peaceful conduct of the election, in spite of the challenging terrain, especially in the riverine areas,” he said.
“The forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State must be similarly well coordinated. Together, we should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond.”
Yakubu also called for more dedication and focus in the area of security, especially “in combating vote buying”.
He said the Commission’s collaboration with the law enforcement and anti-graft agencies has been fruitful.
“Beyond the arrest of vote buyers on Election Day, our active partnership has so far resulted in the successful prosecution of some offenders in three states of the federation,” he added.
“As you are aware, the problem also manifests itself during the party primaries for the election of candidates.
“In the same way that voters are targeted at polling units on election day, so too is delegate-buying at the venues of congresses and conventions for the election of candidates.”
