ASHENEWS – May 14, 2022: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has raised concerns over the pervading insecurity across the country, which might affect the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu expressed the concerns at the second quarterly meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja on Friday.
Though admitting that the present situation was enough to cause worry, he also expressed confidence that the threats would be brought under control to allow for elections.
With the elections billed to hold in about nine months from now, the INEC chairman also expressed optimism that there is enough time for security agencies to address the situation to ensure people go to their various polling units without concerns over their safety.
“The general security situation in the country and its impact on the electoral process is a source of concern to the commission.
“However, we are confident that with nine months to the 2023 general election, there is enough time to respond to the security challenges and secure the nation for elections to take place nationwide.
“The timetable for the election has also been released. Let us not wait until a few weeks to the election before we realise that time is not on our side and begin to seek for extension of timelines.
“The time to act is now. We wish to reassure the security agencies that we will continue to work cooperatively with you to ensure the success of all forthcoming elections and electoral activities.
“The commission is also preparing for two off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State (June 18) and Osun State (July 16).”
