The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday convened its second quarterly consultative meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), as part of efforts to strengthen preparations for the upcoming by-elections, the off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra and across the country.
Held at the Commission’s Conference Hall in Abuja, the meeting brought together top security officials and electoral stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring a peaceful, credible, and secure electoral process.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the critical role of security in successful electoral operations. He called for robust and proactive measures to protect Commission personnel, electoral materials, and all participants in the electoral process.
“The success of any election depends significantly on the security of our personnel, facilities, and the voters. I call on all security agencies to put in place adequate measures to prevent disruptions and to respond swiftly to any potential threats,” Prof. Yakubu said.
He also urged security agencies to use the forthcoming CVR as a testing ground to refine their plans ahead of the main electoral exercises.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was the Director of Internal Security, Mr. Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the electoral process and uphold the sanctity of the ballot.
“Our primary objective remains to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections. Therefore, we must ensure that eligible voters exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation,” Mr. Abdullahi stated.
He further emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, promising strengthened cooperation among security and law enforcement bodies to address emerging threats quickly and effectively.
Mr. Abdullahi lalso issued a strong warning to political actors and their supporters in the affected states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging them to act with decorum and respect democratic principles.
