The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to politicians and their supporters ahead of the upcoming bye-elections in 12 states, the Anambra governorship election, and next year’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The government says it will not tolerate any form of violence or cheating during these elections and will take strict action against anyone found breaking the law.
Security Agencies on High Alert
This warning was delivered on Friday in Abuja by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ribadu was represented by Hassan Y Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to the government, security agencies will increase their efforts to gather intelligence and monitor all activities before, during, and after the elections. This is to make sure that any threats are quickly identified and stopped, and that voters can exercise their rights in a safe and peaceful environment.
INEC Calls for Full Protection
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, also spoke at the meeting. He listed all the elections that will take place between now and February next year, including the bye-elections, the Anambra governorship poll, and the FCT Area Council elections. He called on security agencies to make all necessary arrangements to protect election workers, voting materials, and the general public.
Yakubu noted that the security situation in Anambra State is now calmer than it was before the last governorship election four years ago. He urged all members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to use the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as an opportunity to improve their plans for securing the elections.
“As we plan for the bye-elections, the Anambra State Governorship election and the resumption of the CVR, I call on the security agencies to make adequate and proactive arrangements for the protection of personnel and assets to be deployed by the Commission and all stakeholders for these activities,” Yakubu said.
Government Vows Zero Tolerance
The government also pointed out that there have been complaints from political parties, civil society groups, and the media about possible risks and areas of concern for security during the elections. These concerns were brought up during earlier meetings and will be addressed by the security agencies.
Ribadu explained that the main goal of the government is to protect the integrity of the elections and make sure that all eligible voters can vote without fear or intimidation. He said that security agencies will work closely together to quickly respond to any threats or problems that may arise during the elections.
He also stressed the importance of keeping an open line of communication with political party leaders and candidates. This, he said, will help to reduce tensions and misunderstandings that could lead to violence or malpractices.
“Political actors and their supporters in the affected States and the FCT are warned to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the democratic process, as any form of electoral violence and malpractices has no place in our elections,” Ribadu added.
He said that special attention will be paid to states and areas where there are known security challenges. The government is determined to stop desperate politicians from using violence, threats, or cheating to gain an unfair advantage.
Strict Enforcement and Public Responsibility
The Federal Government also said that it will not hesitate to punish anyone caught trying to disrupt the elections or undermine the democratic process. All political actors are advised to behave responsibly, respect the rules, and allow the elections to take place peacefully.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s message is clear: violence and cheating will not be tolerated in the upcoming elections. Security agencies are ready to act quickly to protect voters and election workers, and politicians are urged to respect the law and the democratic process. With everyone working together, Nigeria can have peaceful, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
