Edo, Ondo Election: INEC is worried about electoral violence

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned about the potential outbreak of violence in upcoming governorship elections.

Edo and Ondo are scheduled to hold governorship elections on September 19 and October 10, respectively, and INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu said on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 the commission is carefully monitoring situations in both states.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have traded blame regarding who's responsible for the uptick in violence in Edo State.

While meeting stakeholders in Nasarawa on Wednesday, Yakubu said INEC will call a meeting and invite candidates, parties and their campaign councils to control any violent conduct by their supporters in Edo and Ondo.

"Whatever we need to stem violence or threat to it, particularly in Edo, we will do it. We will continue to speak to stakeholders, we will do that," Yakubu said.

He warned that the commission will throw the full weight of the law at anyone who tries to gain advantage through the deployment of violence.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu [INEC] Pulse Nigeria

The INEC boss said the August 8 Nasarawa Central State Constituency by-election will prepare the commission for how to conduct elections in a world still struggling with the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

He said, "We deliberately decided to start with Nasarawa Central bye-elections so we can learn the vital lesson that we need ahead of Edo and Ondo governorship elections, as well as 15 outstanding bye-elections and two state governorship elections."

Voters will not be allowed to vote unless they wear face masks that are not party-branded, according to Yakubu.

He appealed to voters, political parties, candidates, their supporters, and other stakeholders to obey all of the commission's guidelines.