INEC Expresses Concerns Over Rising Violence and Insecurity Ahead of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi Polls

• INEC expresses deep concern about rising insecurity and political violence ahead of governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states
• INEC calls on political parties and candidates to avoid inflaming tensions, and warns of the portal’s deadline for agent submissions

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has voiced its deep concerns regarding the increasing levels of insecurity and violence, which include clashes among supporters of different political parties and candidates in the lead-up to the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, conveyed the commission’s apprehension in a statement issued in Abuja.

In its interactions with political parties, INEC has consistently called on these parties to rein in their supporters and prevent actions that could potentially jeopardize the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria.

Olumekun stated, “INEC earnestly appeals to all political parties and candidates to avoid making statements and engaging in activities that could inflame tensions in the political landscape. The commission remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and maintaining its engagement with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the elections in these three states proceed peacefully.”

Regarding the submission of polling unit and collation center agents, the INEC official noted that the commission had informed all political parties about the opening of its online portal for uploading the list of agents. This process commenced on August 24, 2023.

However, despite these notifications and subsequent reminders, political parties have not fully complied by submitting the lists of their agents.

In specific terms, for the three states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, only 55 percent of the expected total of 189,180 polling unit agents have been uploaded to the designated INEC Portal. This includes 29,278 out of the expected 40,372 (72.5 percent) for Bayelsa State; 51,681 out of 85,644 (60.3 percent) for Imo; and 23,720 out of 63,144 (37.6 percent) for Kogi State.

Moreover, only 25.1 percent of the anticipated 15,804 collation agents in the three states have been uploaded. Specifically, 1,246 (26.0 percent) of the 4,806 for Bayelsa; 1,638 (27.3 percent) of the 5,994 for Imo; and 1,095 (21.9 percent) of the 5,004 for Kogi State have been submitted.

INEC sternly warned that the portal will automatically close at midnight tomorrow without extensions. It stated, “All parties sponsoring candidates for the upcoming elections that have not yet uploaded the list of their agents should do so before the deadline.”

As the election date approaches, INEC’s message underscores the importance of maintaining peace and compliance with electoral procedures to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.