…Tracks 50 Incidents of Physical Attacks at Rallies Across 21 States

…Calls on Security Agencies to Apply Big Hammer

Disturbed by persistent attacks on its offices and facilities, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured prospective voters in Abeokuta South local government councils of Ogun state, where the latest attack occurred, that they would not be disenfranchised in the 2023 general election and called on security agencies to use the big hammer on perpetrators of violence.

In a crucial meeting with members of the Commission’s security committee, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Prof Yakubu said “Nigerians expect a decisive action from ICCES. It is important that we move swiftly to apprehend perpetrators, prosecute them as required by law and reinforce security around election officials and electoral infrastructure around the country”, the unbowed electoral umpire boss stressed.

The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) brings together security, safety and other agencies responsible for securing the process and ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria. The committee held an emergency security meeting on Friday following the attack on its facilities in Ogun and Osun states on Thursday.

Worried and furious INEC Chairman said, “turning to the spate of physical attacks during the ongoing political campaigns and rallies, the Commission has so far tracked 50 incidents across 21 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Commission is worried that if no urgent and decisive steps are taken, the attacks will intensify as we approach the election date. As we all know, a peaceful campaign heralds a peaceful election. We need to take decisive steps to stem the ugly trend,” he warned.

Prof. Yakubu gave a matching order to the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner asking him to ensure that the Commission relocates ” staff to the old State office (also known as INEC Office Annex) in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta. All activities involving the 15 Registration Areas (Wards) and 445 Polling Units in Abeokuta South Local Government Area will henceforth be coordinated from the new location in Oke-Ilewo.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State has been directed to compile the Voter Identification Numbers (VINs) of all the 65,699 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) lost in the attack from our database and submit the record for immediate reprint. We want to assure affected registered voters in Abeokuta South that no one will be disenfranchised because of this dastardly act.

Prof Yakubu in concluding his welcome address said, “the Commission wishes to reassure Nigerians that we remain committed to delivering credible elections in spite of the challenges. The attempt to sabotage or weaken our resolve will not deter us from conducting transparent elections in which only the votes cast by Nigerians on Election Day will determine winners of elections,” he stressed.

Communique of the meeting

Security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission rose from an emergency security meeting on Friday and resolved to summon a meeting of all political parties,candidates and other critical stakeholders to reiterate the imperative of peaceful campaign and the enforcement measures to be taken against offenders.

It was resolved that a joint security and safety Team be deployed to all INEC assets and facilities nationwide forthwith. “The team will include among others the Police,Army,DSS, Civil Defence and the Federal Fire Service.

In addition, decisive lawful action shall be taken against purveyors of hate speech, incitement to violence, mobilization of thugs and other violations including the prompt arrest, investigation and prosecution of offenders in line with section 92 &93 of the Electoral Act 2022.

Those already arrested according to the statement issued by Maj. General Modi bbo Alkali,(rtd.)National Commissioner and Chairman,Security Committee,INEC,”those already arrested will face prosecution immediately.

It was also resolved that security agencies will upscale intelligence gathering, sharing and utilisation of same to stem further sabotage.

Address by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu on the occasion.

“Let me welcome you all to this emergency meeting. Two developments this week necessitated this meeting. First, the simultaneous attacks on our Local Government Area offices in Abeokuta South in Ogun State and Ede South Local Government office in Osun State. The attack in Abeokuta South happened around 1.15am while that of Ede happened around 6.00am yesterday Thursday 10th November 2022. Our immediate conclusion is that they may not be isolated, but we leave this determination to the security agencies who are investigating the incidents. Secondly, the spate of attacks during electioneering campaigns by political parties is increasing rather than decreasing.

“While the damage in the attack in Ede South was minimal, that of Abeokuta South was extensive. Materials destroyed include 904 ballot boxes, 29 voting cubicles, 8 electric power generators, 57 election bags, 30 megaphones, 65,699 uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and a host of other assorted items such as stamps and stamp pads.

“The Commission is taking urgent steps to repair the damage to the building and replace the facilities in the Ede South Local Government Area so that the office becomes functional again immediately.

“For Abeokuta South Local Government Area office, the destruction was total. Consequently, the Commission is relocating our staff to the old State office (also known as INEC Office Annex) in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta. All activities involving the 15 Registration Areas (Wards) and 445 Polling Units in Abeokuta South Local Government Area will henceforth be coordinated from the new location in Oke-Ilewo.

“Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State has been directed to compile the Voter Identification Numbers (VINs) of all the 65,699 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) lost in the attack from our database and submit the record for immediate reprint. We want to assure affected registered voters in Abeokuta South that no one will be disenfranchised as a result of this dastardly act.

“Turning to the spate of physical attacks during the ongoing political campaigns and rallies, the Commission has so far tracked 50 incidents across 21 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. These unhappy occurrences are coming just a little over one month into the election campaign which is scheduled to last for about five months from 28th September 2022 to 23rd February 2023 for national elections (Presidential and National Assembly) and from 12th October 2022 to 11th March 2023 for State elections (Governorship and Houses of Assembly).

The Commission is worried that if no urgent and decisive steps are taken, the attacks will intensify as we approach the election date. As we all know, a peaceful campaign heralds a peaceful election. We need to take decisive steps to stem the ugly trend.

“As a body, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) brings together security, safety and other agencies responsible for securing the process and ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria. Understandably, Nigerians expect a decisive action from ICCES. It is important that we move swiftly to apprehend perpetrators, prosecute them as required by law and reinforce security around election officials and electoral infrastructure around the country.

“As we have stated on several occasions, election is a multi-stakeholder activity involving not just INEC and the security agencies. The political class plays perhaps the most critical role in ensuring peaceful elections. We must all rise to the occasion. Nigerians are watching us. The world is watching us. We must never disappoint them.

“The Commission wishes to reassure Nigerians that we remain committed to delivering credible elections in spite of the challenges. The attempt to sabotage or weaken our resolve will not deter us from conducting transparent elections in which only the votes cast by Nigerians on Election Day will determine winners of elections.

“Once again, I welcome you to this emergency meeting and may God bless our efforts.