The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, October 8, warned political parties participating in the November 6 Anambra State governorship election against violent campaigns that could affect the peaceful conduct of the election.
This was contained in a media address by the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
He also announced 2,525,471 as eligible voters for the Anambra governorship polls.
He said: “I wish to appeal to all political parties and candidates not to exacerbate the feeling of insecurity in Anambra State through unguarded utterances and actions. This could compound the security situation and also make the work of the commission; political parties, as well as security agencies even more difficult.”
The INEC chairman said that such violent campaigns and unguarded utterances may also lead to voter apathy, explaining that “This moment calls for statesmanship and maturity hence the decision to convene this emergency meeting.
“We are confident that the outcome of this engagement will be productive; and helpful to the Commission and political parties; as we continue to prepare for the Anambra Governorship holding on Saturday 6th November 2021,” the INEC chairman stated.
He reminded the political parties that in May this year; the INEC state office in Awka was attacked which he said affected the main building; collation centre, as well as store which were completely or partially damaged.
“I am glad to report that we have fully recovered from that attack. The buildings have been completely reconstructed; and renovated in readiness for the election.
“All the non-sensitive materials have either been procured afresh or sourced from neighbouring states; and our zonal stores. We are working assiduously with security agencies; to ensure that such an attack does not happen again.”
However, he said, “security remains a major challenge to our preparations. For the political parties; these heinous attacks have truncated campaigns; making voter mobilisation and sensitisation impossible.”
