INEC expresses concern regarding the security situation in the states of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi.

In anticipation of the upcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled for November 11 in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its growing concern about the escalating insecurity in these regions. INEC is urging political parties and their candidates to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions that may exacerbate the existing tensions.

“The commission is deeply troubled by the rising levels of insecurity and violence, including clashes between supporters of political parties and candidates in the impending elections,” stated Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.

He further emphasized the commission’s ongoing efforts to persuade political parties to rein in their supporters and prevent actions that could undermine the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria. INEC earnestly appeals to all political parties and candidates to refrain from making statements or engaging in actions that could further exacerbate the situation.

INEC is committed to closely monitoring the security situation and maintaining a collaborative relationship with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in these three states.

In addition to addressing security concerns, Olumekun noted that the commission had already informed all political parties about the availability of its online portal for submitting the list of polling unit and collation center agents. Despite reminders, many political parties have yet to substantially comply with this requirement.

As of the most recent update, the compliance rates for the submission of polling unit agents were as follows:

• Bayelsa State: 72.5% of the expected total.
• Imo State: 60.3% of the expected total.
• Kogi State: 37.6% of the expected total.

Similarly, only 25.1% of the expected 15,804 Collation Agents in the three states have been uploaded. The portal for submission will automatically close at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, with no extensions. Therefore, INEC urges all parties sponsoring candidates in these elections to meet the deadline for uploading their agent lists.

Furthermore, INEC has initiated the online accreditation of journalists, which began on August 24, 2023, and will conclude on October 22, 2023. So far, 45 media organizations have applied for accreditation. INEC encourages all interested media organizations to apply on imap.inecnigeria.org within the provided window before the October 22, 2023 deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and manual accreditation will not be available.