- Yakubu Warns Against Use of Power of Incumbency in Edo, Ondo Elections
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Ahead of the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged security agencies to closely monitor the electioneering process and prevent any violent attacks or negative mobilization by political parties, candidates, and their supporters.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu made the appeal during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja on Thursday. He also cautioned against the use of power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities, including media and public buildings for campaigns and rallies, through the imposition of excessive fees and levies, which can lead to breaches of peace.
Providing updates on the off-cycle governorship elections, Yakubu announced the publication of the final list of candidates for Edo following the conclusion of party primaries and the end of the withdrawal and substitution period. He reminded the audience that the campaign period commenced on April 24, 2024, and will end on September 19, 2024, 24 hours before the election date.
“I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process with a view to preventing violent attacks or negative mobilization by political parties, candidates and their supporters during their campaigns,” Yakubu emphasized. “Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as Radio and Television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often result in the breach of the peace.”
He further appealed to the security agencies to protect voters participating in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two states, enabling eligible citizens to register and transfer their registration if needed. The CVR will take place from May 27 to June 5, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, including weekends.
“During the period, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registrations in the two States will also be available for collection by registered voters,” Yakubu added. “The CVR will take place at Ward level and our State headquarters. This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo State in addition to our State offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 registration centres in the two States.”
Yakubu concluded by requesting security protection for registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists covering the exercise.