Politics

Security Challenges May Affect Conduct Of 2023 Elections, Former INEC Boss Warns

Published

4 years ago

December 16, 2021

Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Attahiru Jega has said the prevailing security challenges in the country may affect the forthcoming general elections in 2023 negatively.

Jega, who served as INEC Chairman during the 2011 and 2015 general elections gave the indication in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Thursday.

He spoke at the fourth Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable organised by Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation and the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan.

Our correspondent reports that the event which has the theme “Election security and good governance in Nigeria” was organised as part of activities to mark the 2nd Posthumous birthday of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, who died last year.

The event had in attendance, Ajimobi’s wife, Florence Ajimobi, Deputy Governors of Oyo and Osun States, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan and Mr. Benedict Alabi, Senator Ayo Adeseun who represented Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare among other dignitaries.

Jega while speaking on the topic “Election security and good democratic governance in Nigeria” insisted that there is increased apprehension as Nigerians approach 2023 general elections.

He, however, explained that this may pose a danger to the conduct of the 2023 elections.

The professor of Political Science noted that to avoid security breaches during future elections, there must be an improvement in the security arrangements in the country.

“We want delivery of goods and services by democratically elected people. As we look forward to 2023, there is increased apprehension.

“Security challenges may pose a serious danger to the conduct of 2023 elections. Our good governance must have democratic content”.

Jega maintained that election security is important to have free and credible elections in the country.

“For credible elections, Nigeria must constantly work to ensure that elections are credible.

“Voters must be free to elect their candidates, must be free to vote without fear or intimidation. Election security is important to ensure that materials and officials are safe.

“Election security is important because it is a critical mechanism for good governance.

“We need an improved presence of security. All security agencies should be involved. But, we must define roles of each security agency”.

Related Topics:#INEC 2023 election Insecurity Jega

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Politics

INEC Unveils 2025-2026 Election Timetable, Resumes Voter Registration

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled a comprehensive electoral timetable for 2025 and 2026, including five major elections and the nationwide resumption of Continuous Voter Registration.

This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The electoral body, in a statement on its official X handle, said it is gearing up for a busy period, with a series of crucial polls scheduled across various states.

In the statement, the INEC Chairman said, “The five major elections highlighted in the new timetable include bye-elections in 12 states, slated for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025. Looking into 2026, the schedule includes Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8, 2026.”

Yakubu also announced the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. “Online pre-registration will commence on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration across the country from August 25, 2025. For Anambra State, ahead of its governorship election, the CVR will begin earlier, next week, and will be conducted simultaneously in all 326 wards to ensure the compilation of a new voters’ register at least 90 days before the election, as required by law”, he said.

During the meeting, Yakubu welcomed two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six recently sworn-in RECs attending the meeting for the first time.

He emphasised the critical role of RECs in election management, urging them to proactively implement policy and procedural issues without constant prompting from the Headquarters.

Addressing concerns regarding the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results, the INEC Chairman stated that the Commission is working on a supplementary regulation and guidelines to provide clarity.

He assured that this document would be uploaded to INEC’s official platforms for public information as early as this week.

“I wish to remind you that your work does not begin as the General Election approaches. You are full-time Commissioners,” Professor Yakubu remarked, underscoring the continuous nature of electoral duties and the need for sustained commitment from all officials.

“You can only effectively discharge your responsibilities when you are knowledgeable and committed”, he said.

The meeting, which followed extensive consultations with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and election security agencies, aimed to address key issues arising from these engagements and strategise for improved electoral service delivery across Nigeria.

Politics

JUST IN: NEC Reinstates Anyanwu As PDP National Secretary

Published

24 hours ago

June 30, 2025

Editor

The 100th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s national secretary.

Speaking to journalists after the NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, announced that Anyanwu has been officially reinstated.

Damagum further revealed that the 101st NEC meeting has been scheduled for July 23 to finalise arrangements for the upcoming national convention.

Details shortly…