������Ƶ

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of the country’s democratic values.

Ribadu, who was represented by Hassan Yahaya disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He added that those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

Ribadu stated: “The governorship election in Edo State is about a month away, and campaigns have begun in earnest, albeit with pockets of inter and intra-party squabbles.

“Accordingly, given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, the NSA, who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCES, has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.”

The NSA, therefore, reassured the electoral body that President Bola  Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election was unwavering.

“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.

“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls,” he said.

Ribadu told the Edo electorate to vote confidently, knowing that the government was with them and determined to protect their voices.