President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to leverage the upcoming six area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory and the bye-elections in Rivers State’s Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies, as well as Kano State’s Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies, to reinforce voters’ confidence.
He also called on voters, security agencies, and INEC officials to maintain order during Saturday’s polls.
“Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections,” President Tinubu said, praising the electoral body’s role.
The President encouraged all eligible voters to participate without fear, noting that “the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.”
He appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid violence and inflammatory statements, warning against actions that could undermine the credibility of the elections.
He also stressed that any form of intimidation or high-handedness that disenfranchises voters or erodes public trust would not be tolerated, noting that security personnel are on hand “to protect lives, property, and the sanctity of the ballot.”
President Tinubu urged INEC to ensure “timely accreditation, smooth voting processes, accurate collation, and prompt transmission of results, in line with the 2026 Electoral Act,” as a way to bolster public confidence in the elections.
“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” he added.
