Ribadu gave the warning during an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICESS) organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ribadu, who noted pockets of violence for inter- and intra-parties struggles in the two states, said that any attempt to disrupt elections would be treated as an assault on the nation’s democracy.
“Given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in Edo in particular, the NSA, who doubles as the co-chair of ICCES, has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls, will be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.
“We want to reassure you that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to a peaceful conduct of elections, and is particularly unwavering in his commitment.
“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal.
“The law enforcement agencies, are on higher alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls,” he said.
Ribadu who assured voters in the state of government’s determination to protect them, encouraged them to vote confidently and promptly report any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities.
In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, tasked security agencies on vigilance and maintaining peace in Edo and Ondo state.
Yakubu, who is also co-chair of ICCES, also tasked political actors on peaceful conducting saying electioneering campaigns by political parties is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes.
“I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach the election day and beyond. Party and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.
“For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections,” Yakubu said.
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