The Inspector-General of police, Mr. Suleman Abba, on Thursday in Abuja alleged plots by some politicians to declare parallel election results, warning that the police would deal with such persons within the ambit of the law.
He stated this during a briefing organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission for accredited observers for the 2015 general elections.
According to him, the warning has become necessary following threats by certain politicians to declare their own results if what INEC announces does not go their way.
He said, “We have heard some people are threatening to declare election results, we hope it is not true. If you don’t accept the declared result by INEC, the best way is to proceed to the tribunal. We are telling the electorate to remain and protect their votes and if it does not favour you, don’t take the laws into your hands. In civilised society, they don’t take the laws into their hands but go to the tribunal.”
Abba, who emphasised the need for sensitisation of the political class, appealed to those who have no faith in the judiciary to have a rethink.
He said, “The refusal to accept the result and resort to extra judicial activities is a threat to the electoral process. But where they don’t heed the appeal, the police will act within the law to protect the electoral process.”
The IGP further pledged that the police would be loyal to the country, the constitution and activities before, during and after the elections.
Abba canvassed one agent per political party at a polling unit and urged voters to leave the polling unit after casting their votes in order not to contravene section 129 of the Electoral Act.
He said, “There is likelihood you will commit offence if you remain at the polling unit. If you remain there, the law says you should be orderly.”
