The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties once again to view this Saturday’s elections for governor and state houses of assembly as a competition rather than a conflict.
Political leaders were urged by Yakubu to abstain from actions that might taint the election or jeopardize the security of INEC staff, observers, and other stakeholders.
Except for Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun, where the election was held out of cycle, he claimed that all 28 states would hold governorship elections.
He further stated that all 993 state constituencies in the nation would hold the House of Assembly election.
The State elections would involve 1,021 districts, as opposed to the previous elections, which had 470 constituencies (1 Presidential, 109 Senate Districts, and 360 House of Representatives members) (28 Governorship and 993 State Assembly seats).
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More candidates will be involved, and there will be more collation centers to guard. Also, these are competitive local elections.
So, parties and candidates must communicate with their agents and supporters to help them see the elections as a competition rather than a battle.
They should avoid engaging in violent behavior that could taint the elections or jeopardize the safety of our employees, observers, the media, and service providers, Yakubu added.
The INEC Chairman applauded the security agencies for their professional behavior during the National Assembly and presidential elections on February 25. Yakubu stated that INEC anticipated a better showing in the poll on Saturday.
The Inspector General of Police’s instruction to state commands to handle all cases of electoral offenses quickly is encouraging to the commission.
“We eagerly anticipate getting the case files. To begin seriously tackling such instances, we will immediately form a legal team,” Yakubu stated.
The National Security Advisor (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno gave a speech in which he advised politicians to summon their supporters to order to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election on Saturday.
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Those who intended to sabotage the electoral process, according to Mongonu, ought to reconsider their plans or bear the repercussions of their actions.
While praising the efforts of the various political parties and the voters who took part in the most recent election, particularly those of them who call for peace, I also want to exhort people, especially at the state level, to display the same degree of maturity.
They should act with the same level of discipline by urging their supporters to behave in a way that is consistent with the standards of Nigerian society as a whole. Of course, there are avenues through which concerns can be made and addressed.
However, Mongonu promised that security organizations would continue to support all election participants in carrying out their rights and obligations.
The NSA commended security personnel for their professionalism at the previous election and gave them the advice to make sure that no one used force against the government during the poll on Saturday.
“So far, so good. As far as the next few days go, we do not anticipate anything dreadful or apocalyptic.”
“But, that does not imply that we should abandon our level of preparation as a whole. In addition to abiding by the law, we must permit everyone to exercise their fundamental rights as American citizens.”
In conclusion, taking the law into one’s own hands is something we do not wish to see happen as we look forward to inch freedom election.
Source: punch
