The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria, Mahmoud Yakubu, has warned that the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2023 could potentially be postponed due to security concerns.
In a recent statement, Yakubu emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of voters and election officials in order to hold a successful and fair election.
He pointed to the ongoing insecurity issues in Nigeria, including violence, terrorism, and election-related violence, as major concerns for the commission.
“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 constitutional crisis,” Yakubu 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.”
This is not the first time that security concerns have threatened the integrity of Nigeria’s elections. In the past, issues such as voter intimidation and violence at polling stations have marred the electoral process.
It is crucial that the government and security agencies take swift action to address the current insecurity issues in Nigeria in order to ensure a smooth and fair election in 2023. The people of Nigeria deserve the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote without fear for their safety.
