INEC Urges Peaceful Governorship Polls in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has made a Gtt strong appeal for peace during the upcoming governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.

This call was made during a quarterly meeting with political parties, where he emphasized the necessity of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections.

Yakubu expressed concerns about the increasing violence involving political parties and candidates in these three states.

He reminded party leaders that peaceful elections are only achievable in a peaceful environment, highlighting the safety of everyone involved, from voters to election officials, observers, and the media.

Furthermore, Yakubu stressed the role of political parties in maintaining peace during campaign rallies and the election itself, whether acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Yabagi Sani, the Chairman of IPAC, urged INEC to uphold impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, and credible, emphasizing the moral importance of these principles in preserving the integrity of the democratic system.

Sani acknowledged INEC’s efforts in preparing for the elections despite challenges but called for further actions to ensure smooth, credible elections in line with the 2022 electoral act.

Additionally, Sani challenged INEC to work diligently in encouraging security agencies to adhere to professional, neutral, and non-partisan conduct during the electoral process, stressing that citizens must feel secure while participating in the elections.

The current state of insecurity, especially in the three states where the off-season elections will occur, poses a significant threat to citizen participation in the electoral exercise, according to Sani.