- IGP deploys additional 8,000 officers for election
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Some opposition political parties yesterday refused to sign the Peace Accord facilitated by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), at the commission’s Yaba headquarters due to disagreement with the commission over registration of some of their candidates.
Representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Labour Party were among the people who refused to sign the peace accord.
However, the representative of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one other party were seen signing the peace accord.
The aggrieved parties had earlier pleaded with LASIEC to extend the closure of registration of candidates for Saturday.
They also said if that won’t be feasible due to LASIEC’s guidelines, the commission should consider refunding the money paid for the forms.
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LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), said the parties had enough time to complete their registration.
According to her, the screening began June 26 as outlined in its April 12 timetable.
She said the process involved validating candidates’ credentials under the Lagos State Independent Electoral Law, 2008 (as amended).
She noted that some candidates, who failed to submit all required documents, were advised to use the open window on July 2 and 3 still missed the opportunity.
According to her, over 80 per cent materials for the Saturday election have been printed.
Despite her assurance that the commission would look into their requests, the parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council, refused to sign the Peace Accord.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, (CP) Moshood Jimoh, who was at the commission to witness the signing of the Peace Accord, said there would be vehicular restriction on Saturday.
He, however, assured Lagosians of a peaceful and secure atmosphere ahead of the elections.
He stated that, with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over 8,000 additional personnel have been deployed from neighboring states to reinforce security across Lagos’ 13,325 polling units.
“In addition to our own strength in the state and the support from other security and safety agencies, we now have over 8,000 more officers. They are already being deployed directly to their assigned posts. There is no missing link. Lagosians should not entertain any fear,” he said.
According to him, the police have conducted a thorough threat assessment and identified potential flashpoints, which have all been strategically covered in the state’s security deployment plan.
He stressed that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free process.
CP Jimoh dismissed fears over reports that some political parties did not sign the peace accord, insisting that the development will not affect security arrangements or the general conduct of the polls.
“All parties have been cooperating with us in terms of security during their campaigns, primaries, and rallies. So far, there has been no cause for concern,” he said.