RE-RUN: Observe Electoral Procedures Or Face Consequences, DSS Warns Politicians, Supporters

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned all supporters and politicians participating in the February 3, 2024 re-run election to adhere to the outlined electoral procedures or bear the consequences.

The DSS disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunnaya and shared via its X Account, on Friday.

The re-run and bye elections are scheduled to be held in the 26 states including Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The DSS urged all election participants to be of good conduct during and after the exercises and tasked the contending parties to shun all acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

“Also, politicians and their supporters must strive to adhere to the electoral act and procedure,” the Service said.

The statement read partly: “Beyond the elections, the DSS enjoins citizens to be patriotic and loyal to the Nigerian nation.

“Public commentators, social critics and key players in the public space should consider the peace of the country over and above their personal or group interests.

“Similarly, the Media, Civil Society and Community Based Organisations are encouraged to shun divisive tendencies and fake narratives likely to undermine national order.

“It is unarguable that it is only if there is a livable country that individuals, groups or corporate bodies can pursue and realise their legitimate businesses and ambitions.

“The Service, therefore, advises those engaging in subversive endeavours or desirous of doing so to desist from such; consequently, it will not hesitate to bring defaulters, no matter how highly placed, to face the full weight of the law.

“On its part, the Service, in the discharge of its mandate, will work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), other sister security and law enforcement agencies and indeed all stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free election.

“Additionally, it will continue to implement proactive measures to achieve the desired stability in the country.”