By Becky Usman
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sounded the alarm regarding the increasing security threats surrounding the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states. INEC has emphasized the need for the government to address the rising insecurity to ensure the conduct of free and credible elections.
Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner of INEC, made this announcement during a media engagement held in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Haruna called upon political actors, security agencies, the media, and other stakeholders to work towards peace and security in the lead-up to the elections.
Despite the security challenges, INEC assured the public that it is diligently working to ensure the success of the upcoming elections. Out of the 13 items on the agenda for the November polls in the three states, eight have already been addressed.
Haruna expressed deep concern about the insecurity and violence in Imo and Kogi states, emphasizing that this situation is detrimental to democracy. He noted that the security situation in Bayelsa is relatively better than in the other two states.
Haruna mentioned that the violence in Kogi State has been particularly disturbing, leading to concerns that people may be afraid to come out and vote on election day. INEC has already faced challenges in recruiting ad-hoc staff due to concerns about their safety.
He appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace, emphasizing that without peace, there can be no free, fair, and credible elections. Haruna recalled the successful conduct of the recent Anambra State governorship election as evidence that peaceful elections are achievable even in challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, Haruna called upon the media to adhere to the principles of factual, objective, and accurate reporting in their coverage of INEC’s activities, both during the pre-election and post-election phases. Accurate and professional reporting can contribute to a more transparent and credible electoral process, reducing the potential for misinformation and controversies that have arisen from inaccurate reports in the past.