The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force have vowed to ensure free, fair and credible conduct of today’s by-elections holding across several states of the federation.
INEC, in a statement issued last night, reiterated its readiness, assuring voters that sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been deployed to all polling units. The commission noted that election officials had been fully trained and equipped to manage the process, while stressing that results would be transmitted electronically to ensure transparency.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against any attempt to disrupt the exercise, stating that the commission would not condone violence or vote manipulation. “Our duty is to protect the sanctity of the ballot. Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders without intimidation or inducement,” Yakubu said.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force announced the deployment of thousands of personnel across all affected states to safeguard the process. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while addressing journalists in Abuja, said the police had put in place robust security arrangements to forestall violence before, during and after the elections.
He further warned troublemakers to steer clear of polling units, stressing that security operatives had been mandated to deal decisively with anyone caught engaging in ballot-snatching, vote-buying, or thuggery. “The law will take its full course against offenders. Our men will be professional, impartial and firm in ensuring the integrity of the process,” the IGP said.
Civil society organisations have also deployed observers to monitor the exercise, urging voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their civic duty without fear.
Today’s by-elections are being held to fill vacant legislative seats occasioned by court judgments and resignations, with results expected to be announced within hours of the close of polls.
