President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Rivers states.
INEC is set to conduct elections in the six area councils of the FCT, as well as bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies in Rivers State, and in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect.
He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence, inflammatory rhetoric and any actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Tinubu also cautioned security agencies against high-handedness or intimidation, emphasising that their duty is to safeguard lives, property and the sanctity of the ballot.
Turning to the electoral body, the President urged INEC to bolster public confidence by ensuring timely accreditation, smooth voting, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in line with the Electoral Act.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to credible elections, he said, “Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.”
He added that he was confident the polls would reflect the will of the people and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic journey.