The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for proactive security measures ahead of the Anambra governorship election, scheduled for 8 November, and 16 by-elections in 12 states due on 16 August.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He said the commission’s activities over the next six months — including the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and multiple elections — would require extensive security deployments and coordination.
“Although the security situation in Anambra has improved, the CVR exercise will be an opportunity to test and refine security deployment plans in the build-up to the main governorship election,” Yakubu stated.
He added that online voter pre-registration would resume on 18 August, with physical registration to follow on 25 August at state and local government offices nationwide.
“We urge the security agencies to ensure the protection of INEC personnel, facilities and materials, as well as voters and other stakeholders during all upcoming electoral activities,” he said.
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Hassan Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security in his office, warned political actors in the affected states and the FCT to avoid incitement and violence.
“Electoral violence and malpractice have no place in our democracy. Our objective remains to secure the integrity of the elections and ensure eligible voters can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Ribadu assured that the security component of ICCES would strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning systems to prevent disruptions, particularly in areas affected by non-state actors.
He also emphasised continued engagement with political party leaders and candidates to ease tensions and encourage peaceful conduct.
The meeting was attended by representatives of security, intelligence, law enforcement and safety agencies.
(NAN)