Gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States are entangled in a web of systemic challenges, as meticulously detailed in reports from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and field observers. This complex scenario casts a long shadow on the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, raising critical questions about the sanctity of the electoral system.
Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote, employing the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) technology, undertook a thorough analysis of the gubernatorial elections in Imo and Kogi. The resulting report not only paints a grim picture of the electoral landscape but also serves as a clarion call for urgent action. The CSO, in no uncertain terms, demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals implicated in severe electoral fraud. The gravity of the findings further necessitates the suspension of elections in affected wards, highlighting the profound challenges faced by the democratic process.
“Yiaga Africa calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all INEC officials and their accomplices involved in this grave electoral fraud and calls for the suspension of elections in the affected Wards,” emphasized Dr. Asmau Maikudi, the WTV working Group leader, and Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes. Their endorsement of the report underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Despite the early opening of polling units in Kogi compared to Imo, the electoral process in both states was marred by widespread vote buying and instances of electoral violence, challenging the foundational principles of democracy.
The concerns raised by Yiaga Africa are echoed by the Center for Democracy Development (CDD) Election Analysis Centre, which further emphasized the delayed starts in numerous polling units across Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi. The reports from these watchdogs underscore a disturbingly low voter turnout, attributed in large part to the pervasive fear of violence. This trend poses critical implications for the credibility of the electoral process, as citizens are deterred from exercising their democratic right due to security concerns.
“Several observers in Bayelsa have reported the late arrival of INEC staff and security personnel. In PU 24 WARD 4 (Yenagoa), voting started as late as 11:37 am,” noted the CDD report. These delayed starts add to the mounting evidence of procedural irregularities, further eroding confidence in the electoral process.
Reports of vote trading were not isolated incidents; they spanned from monetary inducements to the distribution of items like rice. Both CSOs implore the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action, including the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in electoral offenses. Additionally, there is a resounding call for the annulment of elections in affected polling units and an extension of voting time where necessary. This collective plea aims to address the systemic challenges undermining the democratic process.
The widespread use of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of elections, did not shield the process from irregularities. Malfunctions in Kabawa PU, Lokoja LGA, and the failure to display accredited voter information in Adankolo Open Space Ward, Lokoja LGA, point to critical deficiencies in the implementation of technology. These technological hiccups not only highlight the challenges in ensuring a seamless and error-free electoral process but also question the reliability of systems put in place to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
In Imo State, agents of the Labour Part (LP) at Umuodu, Ihitte Mbieri in Mbaitoli local government area raised an alarm over vote buying of N2000 by the All Progressive Congress (APC). NATIONAL ECONOMY reports that voters who were irritated by the vote-buying openly protested that people were given N2,000 to vote Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Despite the heavy deployment of security operatives, there was a conspicuous absence of security presence around polling units. Reports from the ground describe the emotional testimony of a Labour Party agent who, amidst sobs, highlighted instances of APC agents distributing N2000 to voters. In Owerri Municipal, voters were allegedly given N3000 to vote for the APC. Shockingly, sources reveal that each polling unit was assigned N1 million, collected by local leaders, further emphasizing the financial inducements that have infiltrated the electoral process.
The gravity of the situation escalated when daredevil robbers attacked the agents of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at All Saints Anglican Church, Egbu, making off with over N1.5 million. The brazen attack unfolded in the church premises, which housed four polling units. The assailants, armed and numbering several, created a chaotic scene with indiscriminate shooting, demanding money from the APC officials present.
NATIONAL ECONOMY witnessed a harrowing scene with people, including policemen and journalists, running helter-skelter amidst heavy shooting. A voter, Okey, recounted the terrifying experience, stating that the gunmen had infiltrated the premises under the guise of regular voters, only to reveal their arms suddenly. As chaos ensued, with even the policemen seeking cover, the robbers swiftly fled the scene after seizing the money that was about to be distributed among the APC agents.
The aftermath of these elections unfolds as a critical juncture for Nigeria’s electoral system. The spotlight intensifies on electoral authorities to address these multifaceted challenges and fortify the democratic bedrock of the nation. This scrutiny demands a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restoration of faith in the electoral process, crucial for the future stability and credibility of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The concerns raised by CSOs and observers transcend technological glitches and procedural hiccups; they extend to the very heart of the electoral process. The fundamental tenets of fairness and integrity appear to be compromised, warranting immediate and concrete action to salvage the integrity of the democratic process.
While technology, such as the BVAS, was anticipated to enhance the efficiency and transparency of elections, its malfunction in Kabawa PU, Lokoja LGA, underscores the need for meticulous oversight and continuous improvement in the implementation of such systems. The failure to display accredited voter information in Adankolo Open Space Ward, Lokoja LGA, further underscores the challenges in ensuring a seamless and error-free electoral process.
The issue of late starts in numerous polling units, as highlighted by both Yiaga Africa and CDD, speaks to a broader concern about the logistical preparedness and coordination of election officials and security personnel. The impact of these delays on voter turnout and confidence in the electoral process cannot be underestimated, warranting a thorough review of the processes leading up to and on election day.
Reports of vote trading, ranging from monetary inducements to the distribution of items like rice, paint a grim picture of the erosion of the democratic ideals of free and fair elections. The call for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved is not just about accountability; it also serves as a deterrent against future attempts to compromise the electoral process through illicit means.
Vote buying and selling are consistent with the continued materialization and commercialization of political parties. Those with lower income status become prey for political parties in vote buying, though the rich are equally not left out of the booty. The 2022 primaries and off-season gubernatorial elections in Nigeria brought to light the reality of vote buying. Delegates to the primaries of the two major parties were paid thousands of dollars to induce them to vote for one candidate or the other. This was an important factor in the electoral victory of most candidates at the primaries.
Also, the manipulation of ballots has gradually given way to material or cash incentives and the sales of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and their accompanying Voter Identification Number (VIN). This could be seen in the 2022 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, where voters were persuaded by party agents with inducement offers ranging from N3,000 and above. In 2015 and 2019, vote buying was carried out with careless abandon by political parties, and in most cases, with the active participation of electoral officials and security agents. These electoral compromises have led to people losing their lives alongside property. The Electoral Act stipulates some form of punishment for such electoral malpractice. But is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) willing to prosecute offenders? For example, Section 121 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, states that a: “Voter commits an offence of bribery where, before, or during an election, directly or indirectly, by his or herself, or by any other person, on his or her behalf, receives, agrees, or contracts for any money, gift, loan, or valuable consideration, office, place of employment, for himself or herself, or any other person, for voting or agreeing to vote, or for refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting at any such elections.” Therefore, steps must be taken by the government, in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in overhauling Nigeria’s electoral system to make it more difficult for monetary influences and other malpractices. Any meaningful attempt to stem electoral fraud in Nigeria must consider the wide gap between the poor and the rich. There is no doubt that poverty has impacted negatively on the electoral behaviour in Nigeria, as it encourages buying and selling of votes by the electorate, aside other malpractices.
