Off Cycle Polls: Security Agencies Must Stop Incumbent Govs From Abuse Of Power – INEC

As the scheduled dates for gubernatorial election in Edo and Ondo States draw nearer, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has cautioned political gladiators particularly incumbent governors who are also vying to run again not use their powers to cause break down of law and order.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, spoke on Thursday at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja.

Speaking at a meeting, Yakubu emphasized the need for security agencies to protect registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists covering the Continuous Voters’ Registration ahead of the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

He also charged security agencies to maintain vigilance over the electioneering process to prevent violent attacks and negative mobilization by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during campaigns.

The Edo State governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024, while the Ondo State election will take place on November 16, 2024.

The CVR in both states will run simultaneously from Monday, May 27, to Wednesday, June 5, from 9 am to 3 pm daily, including weekends.

Yakubu underscored the responsibility of security agencies to ensure the enforcement of the law throughout the election period, stressing the importance of a peaceful and orderly process.

He said, “We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists that will cover the CVR exercise.

“I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process to prevent violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during their campaigns.

“Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as radio and television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies, or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often results in the breach of the peace.

“These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies must ensure the enforcement of the law,” he said.