The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begged politicians in Kogi to give peace a chance for a peaceful, successful and credible governorship election on November 11.

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu appealed during a one-day stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Mr Yakubu, represented by the national commissioner supervising Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, Sani Adam, said getting a leader for the state was very important toward its progress.

“Therefore, you must play to the rules of the game as mature and good politicians that you are to help us conduct a peaceful, successful and credible election come November 11,” Mr Yakubu said.

The INEC chairman said the commission was fully prepared for the governorship election, calling on the residents to obey election rules.

“President Bola Tinubu is keenly behind us to see that all goes well in the off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states come Saturday, November 11.

“It’s our belief that there is a sharp difference to the past. Indeed, with your cooperation and support, the best candidate will emerge victorious since God is the one that gives power,” he said.

The INEC boss also urged the electorate to come out en masse and vote as the security operatives have given the commission all assurances of adequate security for a peaceful conduct of the election.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, also assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election.

“In elections, you don’t use matches and guns to force people to give you votes. Such people will meet the wrath of the law.

“What we want in Kogi is a peaceful and successful election. Therefore, politicians must play according to the rules of the game or be dealt with,” said the police chief.

On his part, the running mate to the SDP governorship candidate, Sam Ranti-Abenemi, complained about the action of some security personnel toward some stakeholders of the party and called for caution not to give wrong signals to the residents.

(NAN)