FG Warns Against Electoral Violence in Edo, Ondo Poll

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning, cautioning against any attempts to disrupt the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He spoke at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja.

He stressed that the government was fully committed to ensuring peaceful and credible polls.

The Edo and Ondo governorship polls are slated for September 21, 2024, and November 16, 2024, respectively.

17 political parties are fielding 34 governorship candidates and their running mates in Edo and Ondo states, while the current cumulative figure of voters in the two states is 4,682,086.

Represented at the meeting by the Director of Internal Security in the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, Ribadu stressed that any interference with the election would be treated as an assault on the nation’s democratic values.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful elections is unwavering. Anyone attempting to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election will face the full force of the law.

“Security agencies have been placed on high alert and are ready to respond swiftly and decisively to any threat,” he said.

Ribadu said the government would defend the integrity of the election by any lawful means necessary, stressing that its commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.

The NSA also reassured Edo voters, urging them to participate confidently in the election.

In a message directed to security personnel and election officials, Ribadu stressed their role as “guardians of democracy,” reminding them of their responsibility to protect every vote and ensure a safe environment for all voters.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, also called on security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the smooth conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.