Attempt At Disrupting Edo Election Will Be Treated As Assault On Democracy –NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that the Federal Government will treat any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt peaceful conduct of the September 21 Edo State governorship election as an assault on democracy.

The NSA, who spoke through Hassan Abdullahi at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting, assured that security agencies will defend the integrity of the polls, using every lawful means at their disposal.

Ribadu who is co-Chairman of ICCES, threatened that “anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. “Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.”

He told voters in Edo State to vote confidently, and assured that the government is standing with them and is determined to ensure that their votes count.

“Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls,” he noted.

He told security forces and election officials who will be deployed to monitor and conduct the election, that their dedication and integrity were crucial, adding: “As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.”

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu, called on security agencies to be more vigilant and should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

Yakubu stated that concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.

“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.”

He, however, urged security officials to abide by the code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.