President Bola Tinubu has called for free and fair elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states during the upcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled for November 11. He made this appeal during the presentation of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) flags to the party’s standard-bearers in these states.
Tinubu presented the party flags to Timipre Sylva for Bayelsa State, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who seeks re-election, and Ahmed Ododo for Kogi State. He emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections and expressed his belief in the party’s prospects for success.
The President expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the off-season elections, commending the candidates and attributing his confidence to their hard work and records. Tinubu also acknowledged the collective efforts of party officials, members of the APC National Working Committee, and the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as significant factors in his optimism.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that electoral violence would not be tolerated in the November 11 governorship polls. He assured the Kogi government of the citizens’ safety during the election and warned against electoral violence. Musa emphasized the need for professionalism among troops participating in the election.
The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered a clampdown on troublemakers who may seek to disrupt the elections. Egbetokun emphasized the rigorous training undergone by officers deployed for election monitoring and their role in ensuring security at polling units while protecting the fundamental rights of the public. He urged political parties to engage in constructive dialogue and maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the elections.
