Electoral violence greatest threat to national security – Defence College

The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Olumuyiwa Olotu, yesterday identified election violence as one of the biggest threats confronting Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.

Olotu, a Rear Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to prove to the world during November 11 governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states that Nigeria is capable of conducting free, fair and credible elections.

He spoke in Abuja in an interview with journalists during a symposium on election security organised by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, with the theme: “Abating Electoral Violence in the Upcoming Elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo State.”

The commandant said concerns had remained about the possibility of attacks on voters, election facilities and officials during every election in the country since 1999.

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“You all agree with me that one of the biggest threats confronting the nation over the years since the return of democracy has been the threat of election violence.“As we prepare for yet another round of elections in some of the states of the federation, specifically Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states, this has created some doubts in the minds of so many Nigerians on the successful conduct of the elections in the three states.

So, in line with this reality, the NDC has been facilitating discussions on how to ensure the security of elections nationwide,” he said.

He said the symposium was an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to examine and conduct an environmental scan of the political environment in those states to determine the trends and dynamics of the emerging threats to the elections.