The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PROF. Mahmood Yakubu speaking at the emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES)
Prof. Mahmood responding to the dual attacks on INEC Local Government Area offices in Abeokuta South in Ogun State and Ede South Local Government office in Osun State condemned the destruction of election materials and disruption of work.
The attack in Abeokuta South happened around 1.15am while that of Ede happened around 6.00am on Thursday 10th November 2022. Speaking on the issue, Yakubu insisted that both incidents might not be isolated.
The damage recorded in the attack in Ede South was minimal, while that of Abeokuta South was extensive. Materials destroyed include 904 ballot boxes, 29 voting cubicles, 8 electric power generators, 57 election bags, 30 megaphones, 65,699 uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and a host of other assorted items such as stamps and stamp pads.
The commissioner said “For Abeokuta South Local Government Area office, the destruction was total. Consequently, the Commission is relocating our staff to the old State office (also known as INEC Office Annex) in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta.
All activities involving the 15 Registration Areas (Wards) and 445 Polling Units in Abeokuta South Local Government Area will henceforth be coordinated from the new location in Oke-Ilewo. Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State has been directed to compile the Voter Identification Numbers (VINs) of all the 65,699 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) lost in the attack from our database and submit the record for immediate reprint. We want to assure affected registered voters in Abeokuta South that no one will be disenfranchised as a result of this dastardly act”.
Also speaking in the meeting, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu condemned the physical attacks during the ongoing political campaigns and rallies.
“The Commission is worried that if no urgent and decisive steps are taken, the attacks will intensify as we approach the election date. As we all know, a peaceful campaign heralds a peaceful election”.
He called on the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), to buckle up on security measures in order to conduct a peaceful election.
The Commissioner has reassured Nigerians that INEC and ICCES remain committed to delivering credible elections in spite of the challenges.
He said ” the attempt to sabotage or weaken our resolve will not deter us from conducting transparent elections in which only the votes cast by Nigerians on Election Day will determine winners of elections.
The Inter-agency consultative committee on Election Security (ICCES) held at the INEC conference room, Abuja, on Friday 11th November 2022.
