The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has urged political parties to warn their supporters against violence ahead of the November 11 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at INEC election quarterly review meeting with political parties, Yakubu expressed concern about the increasing cases of pre-election violence by political parties, hence, the need to address the issue.
The INEC chairman said, “I appeal to party leaders for introspection on the conduct of your candidates and their supporters. The use of thugs during elections to harass election officials, intimidate voters and disrupt processes, sometimes resulting in the destruction of election materials or even worse must be addressed.
Sadly, there are already disturbing reports of clashes between opposing parties with claims and counter-claims of innocence or culpability. These claims help no one. Rein in your supporters.”
Yakubu, however, said INEC would apply lessons learnt from the last general elections to improve on the forthcoming off-cycle elections.
