CSOs condemn security agencies’ interference in elections

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) yesterday condemned what they described as “the continuing interference of security agencies” in elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They made this position known during their quarterly consultative meeting with INEC which held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The executive director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Dr. Clement Nwankwo, who spoke on behalf of the CSO’s, said interference by security agencies as was recorded in the gubernatorial polls in Edo State and the rerun election in Rivers State was worrisome and unacceptable.

“One of the key conversations in Nigeria today is the role of the security services in election. Rivers State was a clear example of interference by the security in elections in this country.

“Of course, the commission reacted very appropriately to the situation in Rivers State by setting up its own inquiry; and of course we saw the IGP carry out his own investigation. But, what we like to see or hear from you is to what extent is the commission taking this matter to the security services because, we believe that their involvement in elections and trying to dictate for the commission is a major interference,” Nwankwo said.

The chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, who commended the role of the CSOs in election monitoring, said the meeting was important to discuss issues considered pertinent to the development of democracy in the country.