KPU expresses security concerns over Edo gubernatorial election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over security ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, raised the concerns when he appeared before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Thursday in Abuja.

He was invited by the lawmakers to update them on the Commission’s preparations for the off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Yakubu lamented that the commission’s primary concern in the Edo governorship election was security.

He said: “While we were there, one of the political parties raised an issue in Edo about the possible deployment of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).

“However, immediately after receiving the complaint, we went straight to the office of the Commissioner of Police and held a meeting with all security personnel in Edo.

“We agreed to meet all political parties in the state and the police commissioner told us and party leaders that he would take up the matter with the state government.

“The issue at that time was the ongoing voter registration and since then, I am not aware of any formal complaint from any party or candidate regarding the role of ESSN.”

Regarding election preparations, the KPU Chief added: “We have been conducting continuous voter registration. Some registered voters require validation.”

He said the KPU was not satisfied with the quality of biometrics of registered voters in the two states.

Yakubu said one of the major problems facing the commission was the difficulty in holding off-cycle gubernatorial elections.

He said it was more difficult to implement than a general election.

“This off-cycle election is very difficult and challenging for us,” Yakubu said.

INEC raises security concerns over Edo governorship election first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.