TheCable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says security measures are being put in place to ensure that the Anambra governorship election holds as scheduled.

In recent months, security facilities and offices belonging to the commission have been destroyed in the south-east.

In the latest attack, which occurred on September 19, the INEC office in Awgu LGA of Enugu state was set ablaze.

The September 19 incident was the third attack involving INEC offices in Enugu since January.

INEC had said the attacks on its offices will affect its preparations for the 2023 general election.

Addressing the security situation in the region and its possible effects on the upcoming Anambra governorship election, Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, said the commission is working closely with security agencies towards ensuring a smooth process.

Speaking with TheCable on Monday, he added that the election will hold as scheduled.

“Securing the environment for an election at any time in the country is a collaborative effort between INEC and security agencies,” he said.

“The inter-agency consultative committee on election security (ICCES) is the platform where INEC meets with all security agencies to discuss security matters and evaluate threats. This platform is strategic and has worked well for all the elections conducted by the Mahmood Yakubu-led commission since 2015.

“However, INEC also carries out its risk assessment based on its parameters, experience and tools. The report of such assessment is then compared with the equivalent report provided by the security agencies.

“Just as these tools were used for all the off-season governorship elections conducted since 2015, they will also be used for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for 6th November, 2021, in addition to other measures.

“To be sure, the Anambra governorship election will hold as scheduled. But the security measures being put in place are not for public discourse.”

Oyekanmi said INEC also reaches out to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all stakeholders in the region where an election will take place, to seek their support.

“The commission is hopeful that the combination of security measures and the persuasive actions being put in place will enable the people of Anambra state to choose their next governor on 6th November, 2021,” he added.