Ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has warned politicians and their supporters against any attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the exercise, saying it would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of democratic values.
Ribadu, who gave the warning during INEC’s meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the warning was in view of the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the state.
Represented by Hassan Yahaya, the NSA also called on those planning to disrupt the elections not to mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.
“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls,” he said.
Ribadu encouraged voters in Edo to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with them and is determined to protect their voice.
“Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls,” he said.
He however stated that the dedication and integrity of security forces and election officials were crucial to the success of the exercise.
“As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld,” he said.
On his part, INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, charged security agencies to be more vigilant and leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.
Yakubu noted that concerns have already been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.
“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.
“I must also add that in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty,” he said.
While speaking on preparations for the election, the INEC Chairman said the Commission has already announced the figures of new voters in the two States which have been added to the existing Register of Voters.
“As a result, Edo State now has 2,629,025 voters as against 2,501,081 voters for the 2023 General Election, representing 4.9% increase. In Ondo State, the current register is 2,053,061 voters as against 1,191,344 for the 2023 General Election, representing 3.0% increase.
“In terms of demographics, 1,897,939 (72.2%) of the voters in Edo State are young and middle-aged persons (18-49 years old) while the figure for the same age group in Ondo State is 1,448,926 (70.5%). The current cumulative figure of voters in the two States is 4,682,086.
“With a population of 3,346,865, young and middle-aged voters constitute 71.5% of voters in the two States. In terms of occupation, 1,563,702 are students, representing 33.4% of voters.
He also announced that the commission has published the final list of candidates for the elections in the two States.
According to him, 17 political parties are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their running mates in Edo State, while the same number of parties and candidates are participating in Ondo State.
