The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have been tasked to abide by the rules of professionalism.
The advice was given by the Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Transparency and Good Governance in Nigeria, Romanus Azubuike, yesterday in a statement.
Azubuike complained about incessant arrest of perceived supporters of the People Democratic Party (PDP) by the police, on trump up charges
He said: “A transparent and credible electoral process ensures fairness, builds public trust, and upholds democracy by reflecting the true will of the people.
“It is the sacred duty of the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Security agencies, and all other critical stakeholders to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible Elections.
“However, in the build up to this all-important Election in Edo State, there have been several reported cases of indiscriminate arrests and intimidation of opposition politicians especially members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The list of those arrested include a PDP Councillor, Kingsley Osahon, who was whisked away to Abuja and has been in the unlawful custody of men identified as IRT of the Nigerian Police Force.
“In Igueben. LGA , Odion Bright and Timothy Isibor have also been arrested in similar circumstances. The Nigerian Police Force cannot allow itself be perceived as the militant wing of a political party.
“We hereby demand for the release of Mr. Osahon; and also emphasize that the Federal security agencies must refrain from being used for political victimization of perceived opponents of the ruling party at the Federal level.”
On INEC’s disclosure of the number of approved and disqualified Party agents for the election, he said: “We understand that the commission has come under significant pressure by external forces to bend the rules to accommodate the Agents of a particular political party who failed to submit their list of Party agents in compliance with the set guidelines for the election.
“It is instructive to emphasize at this juncture that strict adherence to the rules and timelines that guide the conduct of every aspect of the electoral process is a necessary condition for a credible election. This is codified in The Electoral Act and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines.
“We commend the transparency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in informing political parties of the total number of agents submitted by political parties who could not be accepted by the Commission because the Parties failed to meet the minimum submission deadlines set by the Commission and agreed to by the Parties.
“They must however go a step further to firmly resist any pressure to tamper with the list or reopen the portal for any party to upload Party agent lists after the deadline has expired.
“There must be strict adherence to the timelines set for different components of the process as it will demonstrate clearly that the electoral body is on the right track.
“We therefore demand that the Commission must as a condition precedent to bolstering confidence in the electoral process ahead of the Edo Governorship elections and to prevent political parties from tampering with the agents list, immediately and publicly publish the details of accredited agents and their assigned polling units.”
In conclusion, he said: “We also want to use this medium to draw the attention of the general public, security agencies and of course, INEC to an ugly incident at the PVC collection center in Ward 1 and 2, Oredo Local Government Area where Edo APC Youth leader, invaded the PVC collection center and beat up some prospective voters, causing panic and fear in the area.
“Incidents like this if unchecked can cause voter apathy. We urge the Police to investigate and prosecute those involved to serve as a deterrent to others who might be planning to disrupt any aspect of the Elections.
“Finally, We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security agencies to be above aboard in the discharge of their duties in order to ensure peaceful and credible Elections in Edo State.”
