By Joy Odor
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu has affirmed that better coordination in the deployment of security and electoral officials contributed to the early commencement of polls and peaceful conduct of the election, in spite of the challenging terrain, in the riverine areas.
He called on the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to dedication and focus more in the area of security, especially in combating vote buying.
INEC Chairman disclosed this at the first Regular Meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, (ICCES) focused on strategies to enhance election security and logistics for the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election set for February 21, 2026.
According to him, the Commission’s experience in the management of logistics during the last Ondo State governorship election would be used as the template for future elections.
Prof Yakubu maintained that the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State must be similarly well coordinated to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond.
INEC boss mandated security agencies, law enforcement representatives, and INEC officials to pay attention to the menace of vote-buying, noting that the Commission’s collaboration with the law enforcement and anti-graft agencies has been fruitful.
“Better coordination in the deployment of security and electoral officials contributed to the early commencement of polls and peaceful conduct of the election, in spite of the challenging terrain, especially in the riverine areas.
“The forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State must be similarly well coordinated. Together, we should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond.
“Beyond the arrest of vote buyers on Election Day, our active partnership has so far resulted in the successful prosecution of some offenders in three states of the federation.
“As you are aware, the problem also manifests itself during the party primaries for the election of candidates.
“In the same way that voters are targeted at polling units on election day, so too is delegate-buying at the venues of congresses and conventions for the election of candidates” he said.
Responding, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu RIBADU who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCES commended the security agencies, as well as INEC, for the marked improvement in security recorded during the Edo and Ondo States Off cycle Governorship elections.
Represented by Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the Director Internal Security (ONSA), the Co-Chair of ICCES informed that the polls witnessed seamless cooperation between the security agencies, which facilitated quick response to incidents that would have significantly disrupted the exercise.
“There was also the deployment of technology, especially drones and communication systems, as well as improved surveillance and coordination, which accounted for the timely response to incidents.
“Though the voter turnout across the two States was not as envisaged, the conduct of the electorates was impressive, albeit a few incidents of voter agitations over delayed commencement of the exercise in some polling Units, due to logistics constraints.
“Therefore, moving forward, the NSA has assured that the lessons learned from the isolated incidents recorded during the Edo and Ondo polls will be vital in refining security strategies, ahead of the forthcoming bye elections in some parts of the Country, including the Governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for 25th November later this year”he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to ensuring adequate security during elections across the country.
Represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Abayomi Sogunle, the IGP assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the police’s dedication to maintaining peace and protecting electoral materials and officials before, during, and after elections.
He added that the deployment of a Commissioner of Police to oversee Election Planning and Monitoring underscored the Force’s strategic approach to election security.
He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the police and other security agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
