2023 elections will be safe, free from hostility - NSCDC boss

Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has stated that collaboration among security agencies is critical to the success of the 2023 general elections.

He urged all security and law enforcement agencies in the country to work together to uphold, defend, and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

He reiterated that the importance of the 2023 general elections necessitates a multi-agency approach, and that it is critical in terms of election security to be on the same page by cooperating to avoid unnecessary ambiguity in roles and responsibilities.

Mr. Anwal Musa Rafsajani, Country Director, Transparency International, Nigeria, made the call while visiting the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja.

Dr Audi stated that elections have historically been marred by violence, but he is confident that the upcoming elections will be successful, despite the doubts of those who believe that Nigeria cannot get it right.

The Corps’s commander stated that the Corps will work with civil society organizations to educate the public about the dangers of inciting violence, thuggery, hate speech, and other forms of electoral malpractice and crime.

He also promised that elections would be held in all parts of the country and that citizens would be given maximum protection during the voting period because the elections would be free of rancor.

He hinted that Corps personnel are undergoing a series of trainings and workshops to educate them on how to conduct themselves before, during, and after elections, stating that all hands must be on deck and no one is expected to fall short of expectations.

Mr. Anwal Musa Rafsajani, Country Director of Transparency International in Nigeria, praised the Corps for its efforts in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, as well as combating pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.

He encouraged the CG to keep working in the right direction to ensure a safe and secure society.

He explains that Nigeria requires collective efforts to improve things and has called for increased engagement and collaboration with civil society organizations, which are critical stakeholders in election monitoring as the 2023 elections approach.