The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that the Federal Government will not interfere in the governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, News About Nigeria reports.
Ribadu made this statement during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting concerning the governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi. The meeting took place on Friday at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja. He emphasized that the nation’s electoral body would carry out its responsibilities independently, without interference from the government or any individual.
He also expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with security agencies, will ensure that the elections are conducted freely, fairly, and credibly.
Ribadu further stated that the off-cycle governorship elections are expected to be better than previous ones and assured that the Federal Government will provide all necessary support to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
In his words, “This election will be conducted without interference, without violence, and will be credible. It serves as a litmus test for us, with three important states involved: one in the North-Central, one in the South-East, and one in the South-South. We are fully prepared.”
He also encouraged politicians to promote peace during the elections, emphasizing that conducting free and fair elections is a crucial step towards Nigeria’s progress.
Ribadu commended INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu for his efforts in improving Nigeria’s electoral processes, noting that elections conducted under his leadership have progressively met the expected standards.
