By Balarabe Oshiafi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the inter-agency consultative committee on election security (ICCES) to be above board in security personnel and materials in the coming Edo and Ondo governorship and other off-cycle polls in such a way that the general integrity of elections will be upheld.
Addressing guests at INEC headquarters on Thursday, the Commission’s chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who doubles as the Chairman of ICCES, charged security agencies to also prevent powerful individuals and interest holders from muzzling or disenfranchising member of opposition.
He decried the situation where some Governors will destroy campaign billboards of opposition parties or change exorbitant signage fees just to frustrate opponents
His words: “This is our third meeting this year with the security agencies in the last four months. You may recall that on 23rd January 2024, we met to review the security arrangement for the bye-elections and Court-ordered re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation.
“I am glad to report that except for two State constituencies in Enugu and Kano States, the elections in 45 constituencies have been concluded without major incidents and winners declared.
“I wish to place on record my appreciation and that of the co-chair of ICCES (the National Security Adviser) for the proactive measures taken by the security agencies in ensuring the peaceful conclusion of the elections involving 4,904,627 registered voters spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 electoral Wards and 8,934 Polling Units.
“Following consultations with stakeholders, the Commission is remobilising to conclude the outstanding re-run elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State and Ghari (formerly known as Kunchi Local Government Area) for the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.
“Similarly, I would like to inform you of vacancies in four States of the Federation that will necessitate bye-elections in three State Assembly constituencies and one Federal Constituency, as a result of death or resignation of Honourable Members.
“As soon as necessary preparations are concluded, the Commission will announce the dates for bye-elections in Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State. Again, we look forward to working with the security agencies to secure the environment for peaceful elections.
“In addition to these bye-elections, the Commission is preparing for two major off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. The Edo State Governorship election is holding in the next four months on Saturday 21st September 2024 while the Ondo Governorship election holds in the next six months on Saturday 16th November 2024.
“There are two activities relating to the forthcoming Governorship elections that we need to draw your attention to. First is the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States that will enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so. Similarly, those who are registered voters will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the Federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the States.
“Complaints about lost or damaged voters’ cards will be considered during the registration period. The CVR will take place simultaneously in the two States from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend.
“During the period, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registrations in the two States will also be available for collection by registered voters.”
