List of states where insecurity may hamper elections as INEC makes fresh revelation

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said insecurity may hamper elections in the northwest and southeast states.

Yakubu said the insecurity in the country was concerning, The Punch reported.

According to the INEC chairman, the security challenge which was hitherto restricted to the northeast region has now spread to other parts of the country.

He said over 41 attacks have been carried out against INEC's offices across 14 states since the 2019 general election, with the southeast recording 13 attacks.

Legit.ng gathers that Professor Yakubu made the disclosure on Tuesday, October 11, at an event in Washington DC, United States organised by the National Endowment for Democracy and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

Though the INEC chairman did not specify states, below are the states in the northwest and southeast regions.

Northwest states

1. Jigawa 2. Kaduna 3. Kano 4. Katsina 5. Kebbi 6. Sokoto 7. Zamfara

Southeast states

1. Abia 2. Anambra 3. Ebonyi 4. Enugu 5. Imo

As the INEC chairman noted, there are also security concerns (Boko Haram terrorism) in the northeast, especially Borno and Yobe states.

Security agencies have given us assurance - INEC chairman

Meanwhile, Professor Yakubu said security agencies have assured the electoral body that the situation will improve before the elections.

“So, fingers crossed. Those who are supposed to secure the environment have assured us that they will secure the environment for us to conduct elections. Our responsibility is to conduct elections," the INEC boss was quoted as saying.