Nuhu Ribadu: Tinubu has asked us to ensure credible polls in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo

Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), says President Bola Tinubu has given order that the off-cycle polls that will be held in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo on November 11 must be fair.

Ribadu spoke in Abuja on Friday at the meeting of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security (ICCES).

The meeting was attended by Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking, Ribadu assured the INEC chairman that the security agencies are prepared for the polls.

The NSA added that the agencies would work hard to meet the security requirements.

“We just have just two weeks to the election. Already, a lot of work has gone into preparation. The security interaction is also ongoing,” he said.

“We want to assure you that we are working on that, fully ready and fully prepared. Nothing is as important as a free and fair election in a democracy. That we can assure you, this government is ready to provide that.”

Ribadu said President Bola Tinubu has given his order, saying “he wants to see a free, fair, credible election”.

“This is going to be the first election that is going to be under his watch. He said that we should take this message to INEC and to Nigerians that he is going to be very much available to support you to make sure Nigeria will have free and fair elections,” he said.

“He also said we should tell everyone including the politicians, there is nothing more important than to have a free and fair election if we want this country to move forward.

“We want to give assurance to Nigerians that this election will be even better than what we have had in the past. This election is going to be free and fair.

“This election will be without interference. This election is going to be without violence. This election is going to be credible.”

On his part, the INEC chairman said security agencies must take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence.

“This is the surest way to guarantee a safe environment for the peaceful conduct of elections and electoral activities,” Yakubu said.

“In doing so, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement.”