The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the prevailing security challenges in the country may lead to the postponement of the 2023 general elections billed to start in February.
The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known at the validation of election security training resources in Abuja on Monday, January 9, Daily Trust reports.
Yakubu, who was represented by the chairman, Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, said that, “We all appreciate the fact that election security is vital to democratic consolidation through provision of enabling environment for the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.
“Consequently, in preparations for the 2023 general elections, the commission is not leaving anything to chance in ensuring that intensive and extensive security are provided for election personnel, materials and processes.
“This is particularly significant to the commission given the current insecurity challenges in various parts the country and the fact that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members constitute the core of the polling unit election officials.
“Moreover, if the insecurity is not monitored and dealt with decisively, it could ultimately culminate in the cancellation and/or postponement of elections.
“This must not be allowed to happen and shall not be allowed to happen.
“Therefore, security personnel in particular and all election officials in general must be fully equipped to deal with any challenge at all times,” he added.
According to Zuru, to this end, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Babagana Monguno, and the chairman of INEC, have jointly assured the nation that conducive environment will be provided for successful conduct of the 2023 general election.
The INEC boss added that reports on the conduct of security operatives during the elections conducted by INEC officials, specifically during the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, have shown progressive and commendable improvement in their disposition to electoral training and professionalism on election duties.
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