DIG Habila Joshak Calls for Stronger Electoral Security Reforms
Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Habila Joshak has called for electoral reforms that will allow security personnel and other essential workers to exercise their voting rights during elections. Speaking on NTA News 24’s Electoral Reforms Half Hour, he emphasized the need to address the disenfranchisement of officers who are deployed on election duty.
DIG Habila noted that while security agencies play a vital role in maintaining order during elections, those assigned to polling units and other strategic locations are often unable to vote. He described this as a gap in the electoral process that should be corrected to promote fairness and inclusion.
“It is very important that security personnel and others on election duty are given the opportunity to vote. As citizens, they have the right to participate in choosing their leaders, and there should be a mechanism to ensure they are not disenfranchised,” he stated.
Beyond the issue of voting rights, DIG Habila also spoke on broader election security concerns, including the challenges of inadequate personnel deployment and the evolving nature of vote-buying. He highlighted the need for better coordination among security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible.
Reflecting on his experience in securing past elections, including the 2017 Anambra Governorship poll, he emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and proactive measures in preventing electoral violence. He called for a review of security strategies to address emerging threats and ensure that the police and other security agencies can effectively carry out their duties without external interference.
DIG Habila’s remarks add to ongoing discussions on electoral reforms, as stakeholders continue to explore ways to enhance Nigeria’s democratic process. His call for security personnel to be allowed to vote resonates with broader conversations on electoral inclusivity and the need to strengthen democracy in the country.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, there is a growing need for policy adjustments to ensure that all eligible citizens, including those serving to protect the process, can exercise their fundamental right to vote.
LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE