A stern warning has gone out to political parties and their candidates for the 2023 general election in Sokoto State to desist from any violation of the Electoral Act 2022.
Recall that the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Usaini Gumel said the security agency has it’s eyes on political parties, candidates, electorates and even men of the force who would want to indulge in any activities such as vote trading or secret voting at the polls next year.
He noted that men of the force would be on the look for anyone who commits electoral offences such as vote-buying or selling with money, disorderliness at polling units, wrongful voting and false statement, direct or indirect threat with violence to compel or refrain voters or other freedom during election, Undue influence, snatching or destruction of election materials and impersonating electoral official, among others which are stipulated in the Electoral Act 2022.
The Sokoto police commissioner issued the warning in a statement signed by the command’s media relations officer, Sanusi Abubakar.
Gumel advanced that he won’t hesitate to decisively deal with violators in accordance with the provision of Electoral Act and the Constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant laws.
He maintained that “However, the command is equally using this medium to bring to the notice of law abiding citizens in the State especially political parties and candidates to prevail on their members and followers to always note and remain guided on the provisions of the aforementioned electoral offences.
“Finally, the Command wish to express its appreciation on the continuing cooperation of all critical stakeholders in particular those that attended its maiden stakeholders Colloquium and the subsequent supports and understanding the command being enjoyed during the ongoing political parties campaigns.
“Specifically, the command appreciate the enormous supports from the NBA, Judiciary, media houses, NUJ, Zonal NBC and the umpire INEC on all they are doing towards sensitising the public and encourage them to keep promoting the wide circulation of the jingles series being rolled out by the police command.”
