Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi most diffuclt states to conduct elections – INEC Chair, Yakubu

The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday said Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states are the most difficult places to conduct elections.

Yakubu said the difficult terrain and insecurity caused by political actors in the states make it difficult to conduct elections in the areas.

He spoke at a meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja.

Yakubu also urged security agencies to tackle those behind insecurity and ensure the protection of lives during elections.

He said, “The three states of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are not the easiest states in Nigeria to conduct elections. The difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity are compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors, especially since the commencement of campaign in public on 14th July 2023.

“Our message to politicians is that they should call their candidates and supporters to order. Violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process must stop.

“However, ultimate responsibility for election security lies with the security agencies. Our message to the security agencies is to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence.

“This is the surest way to guarantee a safe environment for the peaceful conduct of elections and electoral activities. In doing so, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement.”