President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern directive to security agencies to prioritise the protection of voters and the “sanctity of the ballot” during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Rivers States.
The President’s address, delivered via a statement from Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, focused heavily on the role of the state’s security apparatus in ensuring the elections do not succumb to the violence or intimidation that has marred previous exercises.
With security personnel deployed across the six area councils of the FCT and key constituencies in Kano and Rivers, President Tinubu cautioned against any misuse of power. He explicitly warned against high-handedness or actions that could inadvertently disenfranchise legitimate voters or erode the public’s trust in the democratic process.
The President emphasised that the presence of security forces is intended to provide a shield for the electorate, not a barrier to participation.
“He cautioned against any form of high-handedness, intimidation, or actions that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust, stressing that security personnel are present to protect lives, property, and the sanctity of the ballot,” the statement read.
The elections come at a time of significant political tension, particularly in Rivers and Kano. To mitigate the risk of insecurity, the President appealed to political parties and their supporters to shun inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could serve as a catalyst for conflict.
Tinubu noted that a successful election relies on an atmosphere of calm and mutual respect, urging all stakeholders to act as pillars of stability rather than agents of disruption.
By framing the security challenge as a test of institutional integrity, the President pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for the bodies tasked with managing the polls. He maintained that the government’s role is to provide the necessary resources for a secure environment where the “will of the people” can be expressed without fear.
“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,” the President stated.
