The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has assured that the security agencies would not interfere in governorship elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states on November 11.
He added that the security agencies are mapping out strategies and ready to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent.
Ribadu gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja the meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), stressing that security agencies in the country are getting prepared and are ready to meet the requirements and standards the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) want them to meet.
Ribadu stressed that the requirements of the entire security have been met, adding that the rest is for them to deliver.
His words: “We want to give assurance to Nigerians that this election will be even better than what we have had in the past. This election is going to be free and fair. This election will be without interference. This election is going to be without violence. This election is going to be credible.
“It is going to be a litmus test for us. Three important states, one in the North-Central, one in the South East, one in the South-south and we are ready.
“We will provide what it takes to provide credible elections and we are impressed with the preparations we have seen from INEC and we will work together. Collectively it is our responsibility to deliver.”
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu pointed out that Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states are not the easiest States in Nigeria to conduct elections.
He stressed that the difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity are compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors, especially since the commencement of campaign in public on 14th July 2023.
Yakubu noted that the three States have 5,409,438 registered voters, out of which 5,169,692 have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).
He explained that eligible voters would vote in all the 10,510 polling units.
The chairman, however, said that there are two polling units in Bayelsa State and 38 in Imo State without registered voters, adding that the list of these polling units is available on our website.
Yakubu added: “Similarly, election results will be collated in 649 Registration Areas/Wards, 56 Local Government Areas and three State collation centres.
“This gives us a cumulative figure of 11,178 voting and collation locations to deploy security personnel in the three States.
“This is in addition to ensuring a secure environment for the ongoing campaigns and rallies by political parties and candidates, security of voters, the escort of personnel and materials, protection of assets and general security for all persons with legitimate reason to participate in the election and electoral activities.”
