Elections: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee the timely arrival of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials for the forthcoming November 11, 2023, governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
Imo/Kogi Off-Season Polls: LP Abure Expresses Concern Over Insecurity
During the ‘Channels Television’s People’s Townhall on Election Security’ in Abuja on Sunday night, PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, emphasized the importance of a seamless electoral process and urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take necessary actions against the perpetrators of electoral violence in the three states.
“In my opinion, the ring leaders of these crises in these areas should be identified before Friday to further deflate this violence,” Bature said.
“Coming to INEC,” he continued. “One of the key issues that bring violence is late arrival of election materials. Sometimes, it is a strategy with the political party that is stronger in the areas. They (INEC officials) bring election materials late so that the election can drag late into the night and that brings about violence.
“The issue of election materials coming on time is key and now the police deploying (officers) and identifying these ringleaders in all the areas that we have identified as flashpoints.
“There are people who are already planning for violence. So, the security agencies should look at the template they have so that before they act, they are already there to protect the voters.”
Bature also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to non-interference in the elections despite his affiliation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing optimism that such statements would contribute to a reduction in violence before, during, and after the polls.
In response to these concerns, INEC’s Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, who participated in the same panel, assured that the commission has addressed the challenges experienced during the previous general elections earlier this year. Nkem emphasized that INEC has implemented comprehensive plans to ensure the early deployment of sensitive materials, including the pre-positioning of ad hoc officers near polling units a day before the elections.
“Rather than people moving from the local government headquarters to the various polling units, they are moved closer to the PUs (polling units) where they are going to work. So, I can assure you that God willing, we will deploy early,” Nkem said.
Likewise, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) provided reassurance to voters and key stakeholders in the three states, affirming the provision of sufficient security measures to guarantee a secure and tranquil electoral process.
Joining the discussion were Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Julius Abure, his counterpart from the Labour Party (LP).
INEC Assures Real-Time Results Upload for Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo Polls
Ganduje Calls for Non-Violence
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on party supporters to refrain from violence and adhere to electoral regulations as the November 11 governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi State draw near.
Speaking during his appearance as a guest on Channels Television’s “People’s Townhall on Election Security” in Abuja on Sunday, Ganduje emphasized the need for a peaceful and credible electoral process in the three states.
In light of the rising concerns about potential violence during the upcoming elections, Ganduje stressed the significance of maintaining peace and order, echoing the aspirations of President Bola Tinubu for a free and fair electoral exercise in the aforementioned states.
“I would like to remind, warn our members that Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has already told us (that) what matters to him is a free and fair election, not the result of the election as such. So we have to abide by that,” he said.
“Even though we know those who are contesting and the party itself are all meant to win elections we should win elections according to the laid down laws and regulations. So I call on our members to take note of this so that they stick to the tenets of the election.”
During the television program, the APC Chairman also highlighted the importance of increased political awareness and education among Nigerians. He emphasized the necessity of integrating such initiatives into the country’s political culture, underscoring the role they play in fostering robust political parties.
In response to queries about the party’s strategy to prevent violence during the electoral process, Ganduje outlined that the APC leadership has already implemented specific measures to address the issue, although he did not provide specific details during the program.
