Again, INEC Laments Attacks, Destruction of its Offices

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has listed the destruction of the
property and staff of the commission as capable of affecting
negatively the November 6, 2021, Anambra State governorship
election and the 2023 general election.

He stated this as former INEC national commissioner and scholar,
Prof. Adele Jinadu, described vote buying as the latest contrived
act capable of undermining the electoral integrity in the conduct
of elections in Nigeria.

Relatedly, Adele said it has become increasingly clear since the
post-2011 general election that state resources are being used with
impunity and at an alarming rate as part of election-related and
electioneering war-chest of governing parties at the federal and
state levels.

Both spoke at the 2021 annual Abubakar Momoh Memorial Lecture,
with the title: ‘Security and Elections: Implications for Anambra
State Governorship and the 2023 General Election’.

The INEC chairman, in his welcome address, said the topic of the
lecture was quite significant especially with the ongoing security
challenges nationwide, and particularly, as there has been numerous
attacks on the commission’s offices and property all over the
country.

According to the Yakubu, “For instance, between 2019 general
elections and now, there have been attacks on 42 INEC offices in
the country.

“We are, therefore, seriously concerned at the impact of this
challenge when the physical appearance of registrants commences at
the 2,673 registration centres soon.

“This challenge is more pronounced as the commission will deploy
5,345 workers to officiate in the 2,673 registration centres
nationwide. Naturally, we are deeply concerned about their safety
even more than the security of our property and materials.”

The INEC chairman said: “We are equally concerned about the
Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November6, 2021,
especially following the attack on the head office in the
state.”

He explained that INEC in collaboration with all stakeholders is
determined to tackle the challenge.

“Definitely, we cannot face it alone, so this is why voter
education and information, constant dialogue, community outreaches,
deliberations and assessment forum such as this public lecture will
continue,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in his lecture, Prof Jinadu said studies have shown
that “the more INEC succeeds in reducing electoral malpractices
through the administrative reforms and the application of integrity
enhancing technology in its operations, the more there’s an
increase in vote-buying and recourse to the abuse of power of
incumbency for illicit electoral gain.”

This development, he said portends a grave threat to the conduct
of credible democratic elections, and the national security in the
country.

However, he said: “I am also convinced that in the long run,
hope will be restored and unfulfilled possibilities of electoral
politics will become fulfilled ones to strengthen our country.”

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has listed the destruction of the
property and staff of the commission as capable of affecting
negatively the November 6, 2021, Anambra State governorship
election and the 2023 general election.

He stated this as former INEC national commissioner and scholar,
Prof. Adele Jinadu, described vote buying as the latest contrived
act capable of undermining the electoral integrity in the conduct
of elections in Nigeria.

Relatedly, Adele said it has become increasingly clear since the
post-2011 general election that state resources are being used with
impunity and at an alarming rate as part of election-related and
electioneering war-chest of governing parties at the federal and
state levels.

Both spoke at the 2021 annual Abubakar Momoh Memorial Lecture,
with the title: ‘Security and Elections: Implications for Anambra
State Governorship and the 2023 General Election’.

The INEC chairman, in his welcome address, said the topic of the
lecture was quite significant especially with the ongoing security
challenges nationwide, and particularly, as there has been numerous
attacks on the commission’s offices and property all over the
country.

According to the Yakubu, “For instance, between 2019 general
elections and now, there have been attacks on 42 INEC offices in
the country.

“We are, therefore, seriously concerned at the impact of this
challenge when the physical appearance of registrants commences at
the 2,673 registration centres soon.

“This challenge is more pronounced as the commission will deploy
5,345 workers to officiate in the 2,673 registration centres
nationwide. Naturally, we are deeply concerned about their safety
even more than the security of our property and materials.”

The INEC chairman said: “We are equally concerned about the
Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November6, 2021,
especially following the attack on the head office in the
state.”

He explained that INEC in collaboration with all stakeholders is
determined to tackle the challenge.

“Definitely, we cannot face it alone, so this is why voter
education and information, constant dialogue, community outreaches,
deliberations and assessment forum such as this public lecture will
continue,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in his lecture, Prof Jinadu said studies have shown
that “the more INEC succeeds in reducing electoral malpractices
through the administrative reforms and the application of integrity
enhancing technology in its operations, the more there’s an
increase in vote-buying and recourse to the abuse of power of
incumbency for illicit electoral gain.”

This development, he said portends a grave threat to the conduct
of credible democratic elections, and the national security in the
country.

However, he said: “I am also convinced that in the long run,
hope will be restored and unfulfilled possibilities of electoral
politics will become fulfilled ones to strengthen our country.”