The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the forthcoming general election scheduled for February 25 may be canceled as projections are that the rise in insecurity might affect its successful conduct.
INEC’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu made the revelation during the validation of election security training resources held in Abuja on Monday.
Mahmood noted that the forthcoming election faces a serious threat of cancellation should the insecurity across the country fail to improve.
The chairman who was represented by the Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Abdullahi Zuru, explained that “if the insecurity is not monitored and dealt with decisively, it could ultimately culminate in the cancellation and/or postponement of elections in sufficient constituencies to hinder declaration of election results and precipitate a constitutional crisis.”
However, the commission also reiterated its commitment not to leave anything to chance in ensuring that intensive and extensive security are provided for election personnel, materials, and processes.
He further said, “We all appreciate the fact that election security is vital to democratic consolidation through the provision of enabling environment for the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections and thus strengthening the electoral process.
“Consequently, in preparations for the 2023 general elections, the commission is not leaving anything to chance in ensuring that intensive and extensive security are provided for election personnel, materials and processes.
“This is particularly significant to the commission given the current insecurity challenges in various parts the country and the fact that the National Youth Service Corps members constitute the core of the polling unit election officials.
“This must not be allowed to happen and shall not be allowed to happen.
“Therefore, security personnel in particular and all election officials in general must be security conscious and alert to unusual activities in their environment and must be fully equipped to deal with any challenge at all times.”