By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has called on security agencies to maintain surveillance over the electioneering process in Edo and Ondo States, to prevent violent attacks by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during campaigns.

He made the call during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, on Thursday in Abuja.

Yakubu stressed the need for security agencies to protect registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists covering the Continuous Voters’ Registration ahead of the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

The CVR in both states will run simultaneously from Monday, May 27, to Wednesday, June 5, from 9 am to 3 pm daily, including weekends.

He urged security agencies to ensure the enforcement of the law throughout the election period, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and orderly process.

“We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers, and journalists that will cover the CVR exercise.

“I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process to prevent violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates, and their supporters during their campaigns.

“Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as radio and television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies, or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often results in the breach of the peace.

“These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies must ensure the enforcement of the law,” he said.