Security agencies, including the Department of State Services and State Police commands, have issued warnings to potential troublemakers and criminals as voters in 34 constituencies across Nigeria are set to elect leaders, including senators, House of Representatives members, and state House of Assembly members today.
The rerun elections will take place in one senatorial district, 11 federal constituencies, and 22 state Assembly constituencies in Lagos, Ebonyi, and seven other states.
The DSS, through its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, urged political parties and supporters to adhere to the electoral act and avoid violence.
Afunanya stated, “The service tasks the contending parties to shun all acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. Also, politicians and their supporters must strive to adhere to the electoral act and procedure.” He also urged the media and civil society organizations to avoid spreading fake narratives that could divide the country.
In Niger State, the Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman, assured residents of adequate security and warned that violators of the electoral process would face the full weight of the law. In Enugu State, Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu ordered a massive deployment of police operatives and security resources to ensure smooth rerun elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu State received sensitive materials ahead of the elections, with the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, emphasizing the commission’s readiness for the polls.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Police Command deployed 2,000 officers and men, along with sister security agencies, to provide security during the rerun election. Movement restrictions were announced for specific local government areas.
Meanwhile, the Benue State chapter of the Labour Party debunked allegations of a N50 million donation to its candidate for the Guma 1 state constituency by-election. The party chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Idoko, clarified that the LP is independent and has not received any such donation from the state governor.
Idoko urged political opponents to avoid spreading rumors and lies, emphasizing the party’s focus on the by-election and its optimism for victory.
He commended the state governor, security agencies, and INEC for ensuring a level playing ground for all political parties.
