2023: New INEC REC visits Lagos CP, seeks support

The new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, on Wednesday, sought police support in the commission’s various activities in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Agbaje made the request when he led other management staff of the commission on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Abiodun Alabi, in his office.

INEC spokesperson in the state, Mrs Adenike Oriowo, in a statement, said Agbaje appreciated the police for their efforts towards the success recorded in the 2019 general elections and other by-elections.

He said that the visit was to familiarise with the new police boss and intimate him of the various activities of the commission, especially the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

“Without police and other security agencies, we cannot talk of success in any election. Security is an integral part of elections. We want to thank the police.

“We are here to familiarise ourselves with you and to tell you that we need your maximum support ahead of the 2023 General Elections and in various activities leading to the elections.

“Election management is a serious business that INEC alone cannot shoulder, we cannot do it alone, we need the support of all stakeholders, especially the security,” he said.

Agbaje used the opportunity to inform the commissioner of police of the decentralisation of the ongoing nationwide CVR to the registration areas – wards across the state.

In his response, the CP reassured the INEC boss and his team of the command’s continuous support for a successful electoral process.

Alabi, who stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration, said that the security agencies would step up apparatus for the upcoming 2023 elections.