Barely 3 weeks to the opening of ballots in the off cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised serious concerns over the spate of violence that is threatening the delivery of a free and fair polls in the respective states.
Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC stated his concerns during the commission’s Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Political Parties in Abuja noting that all the parties and their candidates have a responsibility to call their supporters to order during the campaigns and procession.
While he charged the political parties, Inter-Party Consultative Advisory Council, and the security agencies to actively engage to mitigate the tension, Prof Yakubu maintained that a free and fair poll can only be possible under a peaceful atmosphere, saying the election is a process involving humans whose personal safety is equally important.
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“As electioneering campaigns continue to intensify, the Commission reiterates its concern about the spate of violence in the three States involving parties and candidates. I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace. After all, an election is a process involving human beings such as voters, election officials, observers, and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us.
“While we will continue to work with the security agencies in this regard, political parties acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also have an obligation to impress on your members, candidates, and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession. I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond”
On the readiness of the INEC for the election, the INEC chairman explained that following the mock accreditation carried out in the State , the commission’s State offices have concluded the readiness assessment of our facilities as well as the movement of critical facilities to our 56 Local Government offices across the three States.
He however noted some worry regarding some orders of the court as they affect the candidature of some political parties. He said that while the commission has released the final list of candidates for the election, it has been compelled by some orders of the court to have it reviewed.
“These changes have been reflected in the updated list of parties and candidates on our website. However, this decision is without prejudice to any pending appeal by the affected candidates or their political parties” he stressed.
