The governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states scheduled for November 11, is said to be plagued by insecurity, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC’s National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna urged political “actors” and other stakeholders including security personnel and the media to work for peace before the elections during a press conference on September 27 in Owerri, the capital of Imo state.
Haruna added that in order to ensure free and fair elections, the government must lower the level of insecurity. He added that citizens of Imo and Kogi and Bayelsa are afraid to apply to work as ad hoc workers for the upcoming elections in the states as a result of the unrest in the two states.
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He said; “We have gone so far with our preparedness for the off-cycle elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.
“But the commission is truly worried about the growing level of insecurity and violence in Kogi and Imo states. This is unacceptable, unnecessary and not healthy for our democracy.
“Campaigns in Kogi State have been violent and this is most unfortunate. Our political gladiators and indeed, all citizens, must work towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
“It stands to reason that if this situation is allowed to continue, there is the likelihood that people will be afraid to come out to vote, on the election day.
“Already, INEC is having a shortfall in the number of ad-hoc staff needed to superintend over the forthcoming elections. This is because most people expected to work are afraid of their safety.
”It is very important that peace prevails otherwise voters will not come out to vote. I appeal to all actors to observe peace because at the end of the day, if there is no peace, there will be no free, fair and credible election.”