‘Growing Uncertainty’ About 2023 Polls Disturbing — NSA

The National Security Adviser Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) has expressed worry over what he termed ‘growing uncertainty’ over party primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The NSA noted the development has already culminated in intense power play “capable of heightening unnecessary political tension across the country”.

Monguno, who spoke at the quarterly meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, said heads of security agencies have been mandated to monitor and profile political actors who are bent on subverting the electoral process.

The National Security Adviser was represented by Sanusi Galadima.

According to him: “The NSA has noted with utmost concern, the growing uncertainty heralding the conduct of party primaries for 2023 elections.

“This is in addition to the unabated spate of violence that threatened the upcoming off cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States, arising from internal party wranglings, increasing acrimony and bickering amongst political actors as well as the inability of various contending political blocs to amicably resolves differences in line with democratic tenants.

“Consequently, the above disturbing development has already culminated in intense power play capable of heightening unnecessary political tension across the country. More worrisome is the unguarded utterances of some highly respected individuals and groups which more often than not amplifies divisive narratives to the detriment of national security and stability.

“Accordingly, heads of security and law enforcement agencies have been task to step up close monitoring and profiling of political actors no matter highly placed who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process, even as thugs and their sponsors would equally be trailed for possible arrest and prosecution.

“Finally, the NSA, emphasises the need for INEC to enjoin political parties to consistently abide by prescribed rules as outlined in their respective manifestoes. This is to significantly reduce areas of conflict and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a hitch free off-cycle and general election”.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, enjoined security agencies to expedite actions on degrading the security threat before the general elections.

He further charged them not to wait until few weeks to the election before taking actions.

According to him: “We are confident that with nine months to the 2023 general elections, there is enough time to respond to the security challenges and secure the nation for elections to take place nationwide.

” The timetable for the elections has also been released. Let us not wait until a few weeks to the election before we realize that time is not on our side and begin to seek for extension of timelines.

“The general security situation in the country and its impact on the electoral process is a source of concern to the Commission.

“However, we are confident that with nine months to the 2023 General Election, there is enough time to respond to the security challenges and secure the nation for elections to take place nationwide.”