The greatest challenge confronting the governorship elections in in Kogi and Bayelsa states is the volatile security situation in the two states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has admitted.
The National Commissioner, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, who made the confession, however, assured that measures have been put in place with the various security agencies to ensure that election hold without incidents in those states.
Asked his fears for the two elections, Ambassador Nwuruku said: “In all sincerity, our major fears have to do with security concerns. From the security reports, we all know that Kogi is very volatile just as Bayelsa.
“However, I want to assure that Nigerians we will perfect our security arrangements before the election with the relevant security agencies to ensure that nothing untoward happens before, during and after the elections. With the collaborations we have with the security agencies, we are going to make sure that there is no security breach during the elections.
“Perhaps, I would use this opportunity to appeal to anybody or group planning to foment trouble to have a rethink because they would have themselves to blame. We are going to make the polling booths very volatile for them,” he warned.
Nwuruku added: “Let me use this opportunity to enlighten Nigerians expressing anxiety over the composition of the national commission. I want to say that there is nothing illegal in conducting election without replacing the retired commissioners. It is not illegal. Even if it is only person remaining, he can still conduct any election. The rules say one third of those members available can conduct election. As it is now, one third of those available is one member because those that are available are two. That is the way the rule has been interpreted.”
On the measures in place to reduce election petitions, the Commissioner said: “If the truth must be told, some of the politicians try to chase shadows. However, I want to say that with what we have put in place, it is increasingly very difficult to rig elections.
“With the voters register, smart card reader, PVC amongst other election security measures in place, I can tell you that it is now difficult to rig elections.
“All I can advise the candidates and parties is to educate their voters very well so that they can participate and vote wisely. The candidates should ensure that the voters and supporters get enough orientation on how to vote.
“It gives us concern that most of the ballot papers are voided because some voters did not vote correctly. Any candidate who takes the pain to educate his or her supporters to vote correctly will likely emerge winner. Educating the voters is far better than giving people money to rig the election for them.”