Ribadu Issues Warning to Vote Buyers, Thugs Ahead of Rivers, Kano Elections

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a strong warning to politicians, vote buyers and political thugs ahead of the upcoming elections in Rivers and Kano states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls.

Ribadu said security agencies will not tolerate violence, intimidation or any attempt to manipulate the voting process. He stressed that anyone planning to disrupt the elections will be tracked and stopped before, during and after the exercise.

The warning was delivered at a security meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Friday. The meeting focused on preparations for the February 21 elections in the FCT and the by-elections in Rivers and Kano.

Ribadu, who spoke through the Director of Internal Security in his office, Hassan Abdullahi, said security forces are already putting measures in place to protect voters and election officials across all affected areas.

He explained that the Nigerian Police Force will lead election security operations, working closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

According to him, polling units and flashpoint locations will receive heavy security coverage. He added that individuals known for violence and vote trading will be identified and dealt with decisively.

“As we prepare for the FCT area councils election, and the by-elections in Kano and Rivers States, the Nigerian Police Force, designated as the lead agency for election security, in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, is actively mobilising resources and implementing measures to prevent any action that would disrupt the electoral process.

“Accordingly, adequate security personnel will be deployed to polling stations and high-risk electoral wards.

“Also, political thugs and politicians with violent dispositions will be identified and reprimanded or restrained before, during, and after the election, while votes buyers will be traced and apprehended.

“Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are therefore urged to conduct themselves with decorum, and uphold the integrity of the democratic process. Any non-compliance will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.”

Ribadu also appealed to the media, civil society groups, community leaders and citizens to work together to protect Nigeria’s democracy. He said election security is a shared responsibility and not only the duty of government agencies.

He praised INEC and security operatives for their role in ensuring peace during the recent Anambra governorship election. He described the outcome as a sign of the federal government’s commitment to credible and violence-free polls.

He noted that the Anambra experience should serve as a model for future elections across the country, including those scheduled for Rivers, Kano and the FCT.

“This achievement is particularly significant as the nation prepares for the upcoming electoral events,and this includes the area council elections in the FCT, by-elections in Rivers and Kano state.

“This is in addition to the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State on June 20, and Osun on Aug. 8, as well as general elections in 2027, and the nationwide voter revalidation exercise and ongoing continuous voter registration.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also reassured Nigerians that the police will provide full security for the elections. He spoke through the Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle.

He said police officers will protect INEC offices, election materials and personnel before, during and after the polls.

“This is to enable INEC staff to carry out their duties without fear in any part of the country,” Egbetokun said.

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, urged all security agencies to improve their planning, intelligence gathering and cooperation. He said strong coordination among agencies is key to preventing election-related violence in Rivers, Kano and the FCT.

He added that INEC is determined to conduct peaceful and credible elections and requires full support from the security community to achieve that goal.