Tinubu presents flags to APC candidates for Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa guber polls

President Bola Tinubu has presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag to the party’s governorship candidates in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo.

The off-cycle governorship elections are scheduled to take place in the three states on November 11.

The APC candidates include Hope Uzodimma who is seeking reelection in Imo, Timipre Sylva for Bayelsa, and Usman Ododo who is running for governor of Kogi state.

Tinubu called for a free, fair and peaceful conduct of the elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recently said it is concerned about the spate of violence involving political parties and candidates in the three states.

The electoral body stressed that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace.

The commission has also called on political parties and candidates to avoid provocative utterances and actions ahead of the elections.

On his part, Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), had said Tinubu has given an order that the off-cycle polls must be fair.

He assured that a lot of work has gone into preparations, adding that the security agencies are prepared for the polls.

“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,” he said.