INEC Calls For Security Alert As Guber Elections In Edo, Ondo States Draw Closer

Moses Ofodeme

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on security Agencies to be more vigilant and to leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections in Edo and Ondo states.

Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, while addressing a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja on Wednesday, notes that already concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.

“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.” Yakubu advised.

He went on to say, “I must also add that in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.”

Yakubu added that while the Commission currently focuses on Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, he informed them that there are a number of outstanding bye-elections for which Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and some State Houses of Assembly have declared vacancies.

“At our last meeting, the Commission informed you about the existence of vacancies for Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State, Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency of Kano, Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.

“Since then, two more vacancies have been declared for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

“At this meeting, we will present to you the summary of the delimitation statistics of these constituencies to enable you begin preparations for security deployment ahead of the release of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the bye-elections.”

He also said the Commission has already announced the figures of new voters in the two States which have been added to the existing Register of Voters.

As a result, Edo State now has 2,629,025 voters as against 2,501,081 voters for the 2023 General Election, representing 4.9% increase. In Ondo State, the current register is 2,053,061 voters as against 1,191,344 for the 2023 General Election, representing 3.0% increase.

In terms of demographics, 1,897,939 (72.2%) of the voters in Edo State are young and middle-aged persons (18-49 years old) while the figure for the same age group in Ondo State is 1,448,926 (70.5%). The current cumulative figure of voters in the two States is 4,682,086. With a population of 3,346,865, young and middle-aged voters constitute 71.5% of voters in the two States.

In terms of occupation, 1,563,702 are students, representing 33.4% of voters.

He said, “Electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing. This is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes. A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election. I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach the election day and beyond. Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.”