By Akombo Aondona, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expanded the membership of Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to include the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in order to stop desperate politicians planning to buy votes in the 2023 general elections.
Chairman, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Friday, 28 October, 2022 at the third quarterly meeting of the ICCES held at the INEC Conference Room, Abuja.
Prof. Yakubu said: “One of the worrisome practices perpetrated during elections by desperate individuals is vote buying and selling at polling units on election day. This Committee has severally discussed this matter. In our determination to curb the menace, the membership of ICCES was expanded to include the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The two agencies have been deploying their operatives during elections and this effort is paying off. For instance, during the recent Osun State Governorship election held on 16th July this year, the EFCC made arrests and after investigation found evidence to charge the suspects to court in Osogbo. We are right now working with the EFCC to ensure their prosecution. I wish to commend the EFCC for this initiative and assure them of our support at all times.”
The INEC chief continued: “Beyond vote buying, there must also be decisive action against negative mobilisation, incitement and violence during the electioneering campaign. It is exactly a month since the commencement of campaign by political parties on 28th September 2022, yet the incidents of physical attacks on supporters and destruction of campaign materials across the country is worrisome.
“At our consultative meeting two days ago, leaders of political parties in Nigeria also complained about the denial of access to public facilities and exorbitant charges in some States for the use of such facilities for the dissemination of their campaign materials, messages and rallies. These attacks and denials are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and ominous signs of what will follow as the campaigns enter critical stages. They may also be a prelude to violence on Election Day and beyond. We should tackle the smoke before it snowballs into a major inferno. The effective enforcement of our electoral law is the best way to deal with the menace. We should work together to ensure the arrest and prosecution of violators of the provisions of especially Sections 92 – 93 of the Electoral Act 2022.”
Prof. Yakubu added: “As the 2023 General Election approaches, we will continue to appraise the security situation in the country and its possible impact on the conduct of elections. We are right now working to harmonise our Election Risk Management (ERM) and Election Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT) for a more effective risk assessment and mitigation measures ahead of the General Election. We will continue to share information with the security agencies and most importantly work together to ensure that elections hold peacefully nationwide as scheduled.
“It is clear to the Commission that as the General Election approaches, there will be need for more frequent meetings of ICCES to review or respond to any situation that may arise. The invitations may come at short notice. Please note this reality and plan accordingly.”
Leave a Reply