WorldStage Newsonline– Ahead of the Edo and Ondo state off-cycle election, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , Prof Mahmood Yakubu has lamented the use of 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 result in the breach of the peace.
Speaking at a meeting of Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), he said, “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 have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law.”
He appealed to security agencies to prevent violent attacks and negative mobilisation by political parties, candidate and their supporters during their election campaigns.
He informed the security agencies on the forthcoming Edo and Ondo state Governorship elections, adding that the commission is looking forward in working with the security agencies to secure the environment for peaceful election.
He said “First is the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States that will enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so.
“Similarly, those who are registered voters will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the Federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the States. Complaints about lost or damaged voters’ cards will be considered during the registration period.
“The CVR will take place simultaneously in the two States from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend. During the period, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registrations in the two States will also be available for collection by registered voters.
“The CVR will take place at Ward level and our State headquarters. This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo State in addition to our State offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 registration centres in the two States. Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that will cover the exercise. The detailed locations of the registration centres have been compiled in a detailed 28-page document included in your folders for this meeting to guide your operational plans to secure the process”.
