The Federal Government has expressed its worry over the growing uncertainties surrounding the forthcoming primary elections of the nation’s 18 registered political parties.
The National Security Adviser (NSA) and co-Chairman of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, (ICCES), Gen. Mohammed Monguno (rtd), stated this yesterday, in Abuja, at a meeting of the committee.
Represented by his aide, Sanusi Galadima, the NSA commended the efforts of the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and his management team for articulating a comprehensive Election Project Plan for the forthcoming 2023 general election including a five-year strategic action plan.
The NSA, amongst others, further said, “The foregoing innovations will undoubtedly deepen Nigeria’s electoral Management System including the Election Security Management framework as well as the entire nation democratic process.
“However, the NSA has noted with utmost concern, the growing uncertainty heralding the conduct of party primaries for 2023 elections. This is in addition to the unabated spate of violence that threatened the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States, arising from internal party wranglings, increasing acrimony, and bickering amongst political actors as well as the inability of various contending political blocs to amicably resolves differences in line with democratic tenants.
“Consequently, Heads of security and law enforcement agencies have been tasked to step up close monitoring and profiling of political actors, no matter highly placed, who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process, even as thugs and their sponsors would equally be trailed for possible arrest and prosecution”, he stated.
INEC Chairman and leader of ICCES, Prof. Yakubu, said INEC has pending bye-elections in 18 constituencies across the country, involving three senatorial districts, one Federal constituency, and 14 State constituencies seats.
“In addition, as political parties end their primaries on 3rd June 2022 and candidates emerge, a campaign in public by political parties will commence nationwide as provided by the Timetable for the election in line with the provision of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Going forward, the Commission and security agencies have our work clearly cut out for us”.
“The timetable for the election has also been released. Let us not wait until a few weeks before the election before we realise that time is not on our side and begin to seek for extension of timelines. The time to act is now”, he stated.
