 |
| INEC cautions on misuse of incumbency in Edo, Ondo polls |
The governorship election in Edo State is set for September 21, 2024, while that of Ondo State is slated for November 16, 2024.
As the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states approach, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has warned against the misuse of incumbency powers.
Yakubu pointed out that denying opposition parties access to campaign venues by the ruling party often leads to disturbances of peace.
He called for adequate security for INEC staff and materials to be used in the forthcoming elections.
The governorship election in Edo State is set for September 21, 2024, while that of Ondo State is slated for November 16, 2024.
The Continuous Voter Registration will take place in both states from May 27 to June 5, from 9 am to 3 pm daily, weekends inclusive.
In Edo State, political party campaigns commenced on April 24, 2024, and will end at midnight on September 19, 2024.
During a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja on Thursday, Yakubu emphasized the duty of security forces to enforce laws during the election period, highlighting the need for a tranquil and orderly election.
He urged security agencies to be alert during the campaign period to avert any violent incidents or negative campaigning by political parties, candidates, and their supporters.
“We require security for those registering, the registration officials, equipment, observers, and the media covering the CVR process.
“I implore you to monitor the campaign activities closely to prevent any violent acts or adverse campaigning by political parties, candidates, and their supporters.
“Also, the incumbent's denial of access to public amenities like radio and TV stations, public buildings for campaign events, or outdoor advertising by imposing high fees and levies often disrupts peace.
“Such conduct, including the reciprocal destruction of campaign paraphernalia and venues, breaches Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. It is imperative for security agencies to enforce the law,” he stated.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser and ICCES co-chair, reiterated the importance of maintaining the same level of commitment and precision in the upcoming elections as seen in past ones.
Ribadu, stressing the significance of strategic deployment, advised against overloading the system with too many personnel.
Speaking through Hassan Abdullahi, the Director of Internal Security at the ONSA, Ribadu said, “We will apply the same diligence as in past elections to the upcoming ones.
“Yet, we must be judicious with our deployment numbers to avoid straining the system.”
