Elections In 2023 Face Major Security Concerns, Says NNPP Chair
The upcoming elections organised by INEC in 2023 is facing a genuine security concern, according to Ahmed Alkali, national chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party.
On Wednesday, Alkali revealed the information while addressing journalists at his party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
He did point out, though, that the NNPP was certain that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was ready to conduct the general elections on time.
Alkali stated, “We’re aware that several foreign nations raised security warnings. Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, a National Commissioner of INEC, raised the alarm about mounting insecurity challenges that could jeopardise the conduct of the elections.
”We don’t know what they know, but they didn’t tell the federal government; that, of course, was enough for them to keep it to themselves.
But they ought to have announced their entrance and departure simultaneously. However, a new administration must be in place by 2023, regardless of the situation. As a result, both INEC and the political party leadership must work toward that.
You can read more of such stories at Credible News.
- FG Counters INEC Chair On General Elections Postponement
- INEC Will Cancel 2023 Elections If This Continues In Nigeria – Yakubu
- Imo INEC Office Invaders Killed By Security Operatives Cum Vigilantes
“We are aware that INEC doesn’t speak, so there must be a good reason for them to have made this statement now.
“We also know that the CBN Governor modified Nigeria’s national currency. We don’t know what they hope to accomplish, but undermining the election for that reason alone is sufficient. It’s possible that the aim was good, but the timing was poor.
Additionally, political parties pledged to conduct their campaigns peacefully by signing a contract with the National Peace Committee.
However, you are already aware of the changes since INEC stated that parties could begin their campaigns. In certain states, governors are not allowing the opposition to campaign. The billboards for our governorship candidate in Borno were taken down.
“The APC government in the state shut down our office when our presidential candidate was scheduled to visit Maiduguri. You’ve heard a minister in office claim to have the resources to win elections; that’s intimidation.
“You can also hear individuals calling for the INEC chairman’s resignation. When you do that, the entire process is thrown off.
“Security threats to INEC offices and even its staff haven’t even been mentioned.
“However, we are confident that the security forces have the ability to thwart all of these attempts to rig the election.”
Alkali urged the judges to swiftly handle the matters involving NNPP candidates in court while encouraged the party’s candidates to carry on with their campaigns.
“We urge INEC to take necessary measures for all those whose names have been approved by the courts,” he said.
“Despite the court’s busy dockets, the Federal High Courts and the Appellate Court issued their sound decisions with promptitude, which has been extremely beneficial to our party.
“The NNPP wishes to use this platform to convey our appreciation and gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary for being the people’s last hope and a pillar of democracy and democratic processes, particularly leading up to the general elections.”
You can read more of such stories at Credible News and The Cheer News
