INEC Charges Security Agencies to Maintain Ondo Template in Anambra 2025 Elections

INEC Charges Security Agencies to Maintain Ondo Template in Anambra 2025 Elections

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

At a meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the importance of replicating the successful security and logistical strategies employed during the recent Ondo State Governorship election for the upcoming elections in Anambra State.

Prof. Yakubu while commending the security agencies noted that their efforts contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Our experience in the management of logistics during the last Ondo State Governorship election provides the template for future elections. 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,” Yakubu said.

Speaking further, he demanded that the forthcoming Anambra Governorship election must adhere to this standard, insisting, “Together, we should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond.”

The INEC Chairman also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in combating election-related malpractices, such as vote buying. He highlighted the cooperation between INEC and law enforcement agencies, saying, “The Commission is happy with our collaboration with the law enforcement agencies, particularly the anti-graft agencies. 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.”

Prof. Yakubu stressed the significance of addressing vote buying, which often begins during party primaries, urging continued collaboration with critical stakeholders to tackle this menace.

According to the INEC Chairman, the upcoming elections in Anambra State will take place in 5,720 polling units, with results collated at 326 ward centers across 21 local government areas and at the state collation center in Awka.

Similarly, elections for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will span 68 constituencies, covering six area council chairmen and 62 councillors, with results collated in 62 wards.

Responding, the National Security Adviser (NSA), who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCE, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, appreciated the  security agencies, as well as INEC, for the marked improvement in security recorded during the Edo and Ondo States Off cycle Governorship elections.

Ribadu who was represented by Director, Internal Security, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Hassan Abdullahi, noted the critical role of technology and improved surveillance in ensuring smooth electoral processes while acknowledging areas needing further improvement as the Commission eyes the forthcoming elections.

He said, “The polls witnessed seamless cooperation between the security agencies, which facilitated quick response to incidents that would have significantly disrupted the exercise.”

The NSA offered a commitment to refining security strategies based on lessons learned, stating, “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 and the Governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for 25th November later this year.”