The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, has said President Bola Tinubu is committed to peaceful governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States, adding that the Federal Government will use every lawful means to protect the the integrity of the exercises.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 21 and November 16 respectively for the governorship elections in both states.
The INEC organised an inter-agency consultative committee on election security (ICESS) on Wednesday in Abuja, to discuss issues about the forthcoming elections.
Speaking at the event, Ribadu, who was represented by Hassan Abdullahi, director of internal security, warned that any attempt to disrupt the election will be seen as “assault on democratic values”.
“We want to reassure you that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to a peaceful conduct of elections, and is particularly unwavering in his commitment,” he said.
“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal.
“The law enforcement agencies, are on higher alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected and every voter feels safe and the sanctity of the election is upheld.”
While speaking at the event, INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, urged political stakeholders to maintain peace and “tone down the negative rhetorics”.
Yakubu asked security operatives to “deal with any form of threat” against the conduct of the off-cycle elections.
“Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes,” Yakubu said.
“With just 37 days to the Edo State Governorship Election and 93 days before voters in Ondo go to the polls, let’s continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.”
