- Safiu Kehinde
National Security Adviser to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, has vowed to defend the integrity of poll ahead of the Edo and Ondo states’ gubernatorial elections.
Ribadu made this known at a meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja today.
Represented by his Director of Internal Security, Hassan Abdullahi, the NSA assured electorates of peaceful election while warning political party supporters and politicians to detest from disrupting electoral process.
“Given the violence antecedent of some politicians and their supporters- in Edo state in particular, the NSA, who doubled as the Co-Chair of ICCES have warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere, or disrupt peaceful conduct of poll will be viewed as an assault on the very essence of democratic values.
“We want to assure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is committed to peaceful conduct of election.
“Those planning to disrupt the election should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal. Anyone attempting to disrupt the conduct of election will face a full wrath of the law.
“Law Enforcement Agencies are on high alert and are ready to swift in and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
“The voters in Edo State and Ondo as well, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that government is standing with you and is entitled to protect you; protect your voice.” Ribadu said.
Meanwhile, also present at the event is INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
Both Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections will hold on the 21st of September, 2024.