The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday expressed concerns over the forthcoming general election due to the rising threats of insecurity, warning that the forthcoming polls face threat of cancellation if the level of insecurity across the country continues.
This was just as the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), during a media briefing yesterday, alleged that some state governors were using touts to intimidate their opponents and destroy campaign materials of opposition parties.
The commission also warned that a cancellation and/or postponement of elections in sufficient constituencies due to the prevailing security situation in the areas may not only hinder the declaration of elections results, but also precipitate a constitutional crisis.
Yakubu, who was represented by the Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, issued the warning at the validation of election security training resources held in Abuja on Monday.
However, Yakubu pointed out that the commission was doing everything possible to ensure that adequate security was provided for election personnel, materials and processes.
INEC Chairman explained: “We all appreciate the fact that election security is vital to democratic consolidation through provision of an enabling environment for the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections and thus strengthening the electoral process.
“Consequently, in preparations for the 2023 general elections, the commission is not leaving anything to chance in ensuring that intensive and extensive security is provided for election personnel, materials and processes.
“This is particularly significant to the commission given the current insecurity challenges in various parts of the country and the fact that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members constitute the core of the Polling Unit Election officials.
Meanwhile, IPAC has alleged that some state governors were using touts to intimate members of the opposition in their state.
The council further expressed concern about the level of insecurity in the country spreading in most of the states, where it alleged the governors were using sponsored touts to stop and destroy campaign materials and the party offices of the opposition political parties
It urged the security agents to be proactive and ensure adequate protection of lives and property before, during and after the elections
IPAC, however, passed a vote of confidence on Yakubu.
The council said it was fully in support of the plans being put in place by the commission to ensure a free, transparent and credible election, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), for voting purposes.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, at the end of an Emergency General Assembly, National Secretary of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle said the political parties resolved to support the INEC chairman in the onerous task of conducting the forthcoming general elections.
Thisday
