The head of Nigeria’s army on Wednesday vowed a violent crackdown on
election-related unrest, as security tightened before this weekend’s
presidential and parliamentary vote.
Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah said the armed forces, police and other
organisations had made “adequate arrangements” for security at this
Saturday’s poll.
Bloody election-related violence has been a major concern at previous
votes in Nigeria, especially between supporters of rival political
parties.
In 2011, around 1,000 people were killed in clashes after Goodluck
Jonathan’s victory over Muhammadu Buhari for the presidency.
Minimah said heightened security would be in place both for the
presidential and parliamentary vote on Saturday as well as on April 11,
when gubernatorial and state assembly elections are held.
“I do not envisage any issue because this is just an election and it will
come and go,” he told a news conference.
“Though we know there are also elements within the political class that
would not want a normal election process to come and be put behind us.
“I will appeal to politicians and their followers and supporters to keep
the peace, maintain the peace and ensure a violence-free elections… and
whoever wants to invoke or provoke violence will meet organised violence
waiting for him.”