NSA Warns Political Parties Against Electoral Violence Ahead of Polls

The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has warned political parties and their supporters against engaging in electoral violence or malpractice.

During a high-level meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held in Abuja on Friday, the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the critical role of security forces in safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring voter safety.

Ribadu, speaking alongside top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared that security and law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone or group that attempts to disrupt the elections.

“We must ensure that eligible voters exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation,” Ribadu stated. “Any attempt to undermine the credibility of the elections or threaten public peace will be met with firm action.”

He reaffirmed the federal government’s zero-tolerance stance on electoral violence and stressed the importance of a secure environment for democratic participation.

Ribadu assured the public that all security agencies would coordinate closely to swiftly address any threats that arise before, during, or after the elections.

The warning comes ahead of National Assembly rerun elections, council polls in the FCT, and other off-cycle elections in various parts of the country, raising the stakes for political actors and security operatives alike.

INEC officials at the meeting welcomed the collaboration and reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, while urging political stakeholders to play by the rules.