The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for a peaceful election during the upcoming governorship polls in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states, scheduled for November 11.
The call was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a quarterly meeting with political parties on Tuesday.
Yakubu emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during election campaigns and on the election day, stating that free and fair elections can only be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. He urged political parties to work towards a peaceful process and reminded party leaders that the safety of voters, election officials, observers, and the media is a priority for the commission.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yabagi Sani, stressed the significance of INEC’s impartiality, transparency, and commitment to conducting credible elections. He urged INEC to continue persuading security agencies to adhere to the rules of engagement and resist being manipulated by desperate politicians.
Sani emphasized that citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, particularly considering the current state of insecurity in the country and the specific challenges faced in the three states where the off-season elections will take place on November 11, 2023.