INEC warns against incumbency power abuse in Edo, Ondo

Prior to the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasized the importance of preventing the misuse of power by incumbents.

He highlighted that when ruling parties restrict opposition access to campaign venues, it often leads to unrest. Yakubu also called for adequate security measures to safeguard INEC personnel and materials during the forthcoming elections.

The Edo State governorship election is set for September 21, 2024, followed by the Ondo State election on November 16, 2024.

The Voter Registration process will be open in both states from May 27 to June 5, running daily from 9 am to 3 pm, including weekends.

In Edo State, political parties started their campaigns on April 24, 2024, and will conclude them at midnight on September 19, 2024.

Yakubu emphasized the critical role of security agencies in upholding the law during the election period at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja.

He urged security agencies to stay vigilant and ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process by preventing violent incidents and negative activities by political entities and their supporters during campaigns.

He emphasized the importance of providing security for everyone involved in the voter registration exercise, including registrants, staff, equipment, observers, and journalists.

It is crucial to monitor the election process closely to avoid violent incidents or negative actions by political entities and their followers.

Additionally, preventing the misuse of authority to hinder opposition parties from accessing public resources like media outlets or venues for campaigning is essential to maintaining peace.

The breaches, such as destroying campaign materials and facilities together, are in direct contravention of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022.

It is imperative that the security agencies uphold the law, emphasized by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser and co-chair of ICCES.

Ribadu underscored the necessity for maintaining a consistent level of commitment and diligence in the upcoming elections akin to past ones. He emphasized the significance of deploying strategies strategically, warning against inundating the system with excessive quantities.

Hassan Abdullahi, the Director of Internal Security at ONSA, conveyed the NSA’s message that the upcoming elections would receive the same level of attention as previous ones.

It was emphasized that caution should be exercised in deploying personnel to avoid straining the system.