INEC has voiced its deep concern about the increasing insecurity in the lead-up to the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission also expressed frustration that political parties had not made significant submissions regarding the list of their agents, despite prior notifications and reminders.
The INEC commissioner emphasized the importance of political parties and their candidates avoiding actions and statements that could exacerbate tensions in the already fragile political climate. He stated, “The commission is concerned about the spate of insecurity and violence, including clashes among supporters of political parties and candidates in the forthcoming elections.”
2023: INEC Reveals Date For Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Governorship Polls
“In our engagement with political parties, the commission has constantly called on parties to rein in their supporters from actions capable of jeopardizing the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria,” Olumekun added. “INEC earnestly appeals to all political parties and candidates to avoid utterances and acts that may heat up the polity. The commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and sustain its engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in the three states.”
Final List Of Candidates For Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa Guber Poll Released By INEC
Regarding the submission of the list of party agents, Olumekun explained that INEC had notified all political parties of the opening of its online portal for uploading the list of polling units and collation center agents. However, despite the notices and subsequent reminders, political parties had not complied significantly.
For the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, only 55% of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents had been uploaded to the designated INEC portal. Similarly, only 25.1% of the expected 15,804 collation agents in the three states had been uploaded. Olumekun warned that the portal would automatically close on October 10, 2023, with no extensions, urging all parties to submit their lists of agents before the deadline.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.