The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a strong appeal to political parties participating in the upcoming by-elections to avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The by-elections are scheduled to take place in various constituencies across 26 states on Saturday.
Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, in a statement on Friday, urged politicians and their supporters to adhere strictly to the provisions of the electoral act.
The elections will fill vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal constituencies, and 28 state constituencies spanning 80 local government areas.
The DSS emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process, calling on public commentators to prioritize the well-being of the country over personal or group interests.
The statement read, “It is unarguable that it is only if there is a livable country that individuals, groups, or corporate bodies can pursue and realize their legitimate businesses and ambitions.
“The service, therefore, advises those engaging in subversive endeavours or desirous of doing so to desist from such; consequently, it will not hesitate to bring defaulters, no matter how highly placed, to face the full weight of the law.
“On its part, the service, in the discharge of its mandate, will work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), other sister security and law enforcement agencies and indeed all stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free election.”
