Ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections, the Department of State Services (DSS) warned that undisclosed individuals were planning a “total breakdown of law and order.” The service noted that tension had already been observed in parts of the country in the days leading up to the polls.
In a series of tweets on Wednesday night, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya emphasized that politicians’ actions have consequences for the nation’s democracy. He wrote: “The Department of State Services alerts the public of orchestrated plans by some persons to cause a total breakdown of law and order in the country shortly after the March 11, 2023 governorship and state assembly elections. It also wishes to draw attention to the unnecessary palpable political tension in parts of the country prior to the elections. It is observed that some of the players are at daggers drawn with one another. The development holds dire consequences for national peace and stability.” He urged politicians and their supporters to engage constructively and advised everyone to shun fake news, hate speech, and other utterances that could undermine peaceful coexistence.
Afunanya said the DSS, together with other agencies, had launched operations to ensure the elections were conducted peacefully. “Elections should not be seen as a do‑or‑die affair. There is no basis for anyone to take laws into their own hands. Aggrieved persons can use our courts to seek redress; we should have faith in our institutions,” he added. Over the election period, the service remained committed to providing a conducive environment for a peaceful exercise, carrying out mop‑up operations—both independently and in collaboration with sister agencies—to thwart nefarious plans and activities of elements seeking to undermine the electoral process.
For a hitch‑free governorship and state assembly election, the DSS partnered with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace before, during, and after the exercises. Afunanya enjoined politicians and citizens to adhere to the rules throughout the electoral cycle. “For the avoidance of doubt, the service will work to ensure that no person or group, no matter how highly placed, disrupts the scheduled elections in any part of the Federation. It is committed to the safety and security of citizens who wish to exercise their civic responsibility. All are therefore urged to abide by the rules of engagement, particularly the Electoral Act and extant guidelines.”
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