On Tuesday, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, stated that the commission is establishing a legal team to handle cases involving electoral offenders during the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25.
This was due to the fact that he warned the security agencies to remain vigilant and stated that the upcoming elections for governor and state House of Assembly would likely be more difficult than the presidential election.
On Tuesday, the director of INEC addressed the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja.
Yakubu emphasized that the March 18 governorship and state Assembly elections are a contest, not a war, and he advised political parties to warn their supporters.
He stated that INEC was eager to receive the case files of electoral offenders as promised by the Inspector-General of Police.
Yakubu stated, “Compared to the national elections held approximately three weeks ago, the governorship and state Assembly elections this weekend involve more constituencies.” The state elections will include 1,021 constituencies, including 28 governorship seats and 993 seats in the state Assembly, in contrast to the previous elections, which had 470 constituencies (one presidential, 109 senatorial districts, and 360 seats in the House of Representatives). Additionally, there will be more candidates involved and collation centers to safeguard. Local elections also take place with close races.
“It is, in this manner, significant for gatherings and possibility to address their representatives and allies to consider the decisions to be a challenge and not war. They should avoid violence that could disrupt the elections or jeopardize the safety of our employees, observers, media, and service providers.
Related News: INEC denies appointing an ex-Lagos commissioner as head of ICT for the March 18 elections: Giving INEC credit where credit is due PICTORIAL: “The commission is encouraged by the directive to state commands by the Inspector-General of Police to handle all cases of electoral offences expeditiously,” the election security committee meets in Abuja ahead of government elections. We are eagerly awaiting the case files. We will immediately form a legal team to begin serious case management.
Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser, acknowledged that the polls on Saturday would be difficult but promised that security agencies would keep the peace.
Monguno stated that numerous meetings had been held to ensure peaceful elections, particularly with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police.
He stated, “Of course, the elections on Saturday will be much more complicated and contextually unique.” First and foremost, we will have 1,021 constituencies, which indicates that more people are interested and will vote. Clearly, the dynamics would be significantly different from those of the recent elections.
I know that a lot of work has been done for the security agencies. I have had conversations with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police, who is in charge of the primary election agency. So far, so good; in the coming days, we do not anticipate anything terrible or apocalyptic. However, this does not imply that we should all abandon our readiness state. The rules must be followed by us. Additionally, as citizens of this nation, we must permit everyone to exercise their fundamental rights.
The National Security Agency (NSA) cautioned political parties and candidates to act with maturity and discipline both during and after the elections.