A non-governmental organisation, NGO, Kimpact Development Initiative, Election Data Room, has decried and expressed disappointment of vote buying and late arrival of materials of the September 21, Edo state governorship election.
The NGO made the statements in a press conference in Benin city, about their aims to inform the public and key stakeholders about the key findings and observations of KDI regarding the election day.
Speaking to the media, NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzor – Election Day Data Room and Faculty member, said KDI is a civil society organization implementing the Nigeria Election Violence Education and Resolution Project in the 2024 Edo state off-cycle governorship elections with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
He said,”The Data Room noted the relative adequacy in policing structure and professionalism in this ongoing election – so far, there has not been widespread breakdown of law and order- owing that the process had been relatively peaceful in the early hours of the day.
“We have also seen largely the enforcement of restriction of movement and roadblocks, but the officers were professional to allow movement of essential workers in most of the LGAs.
“While we have also noted emerging issues like vote buying leading to voter and citizens being agitated, which is a potential for violence. KDI EDDR will continue to track this developing to know if such potential for violence had led to violence or not.
“Logistical Challenges for INEC Officials: Logistical issues continue to impact the electoral process. We noted delays in the deployment of INEC ad-hoc officials in some RACs to polling units, raising questions about what went wrong.
“It was rightly observed in RACs, such as Agbado Primary School, Akpapava Road, Oredo LGA and Model Primary School, close to Stella Obasanjo Hospital Ikpoba Okha LGA that limited vehicles were available. Some of these vehicles were rickety and inadequate, forcing officials to be transported in multiple trips.
“By 9:30 am, some officials had still not left their RAC centers, which resulted in late commencement of poll in affected areas. Addressing these questions is vital for ensuring a smoother electoral process in the future.
“These logistical gaps not only disrupt the election process but also create opportunities for misinformation, as anxious voters may wrongly assume that election materials or officials have been compromised.
” It is imperative that both INEC and NURTW collaborate effectively to prevent such disruptions and ensure a seamless election process. Late Arrival of Election Materials: KDI field observers reported significant delays in the arrival of election materials and the commencement of voting at some polling units.
” Observations indicate that election officials arrived at polling stations between 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with voting commencing between 9:00 am and 10:30 am.
“While the late deployment of election officials and materials from RACs contributed to these delays, it was compounded by a heavy downpour, which further disrupted the process.
“In Esan West, Esan Southeast, and Owan West, heavy rainfall in the early hours of the day delayed both the arrival of INEC officials and the participation of voters, many of whom were forced to seek shelter from the rain.
” In riverine areas, crossing to polling units was also hindered by the adverse weather conditions, preventing timely access.we observed that voting in Urhonigbe South, Orhiomwon Local Government Area, was further delayed due to the non-availability of result sheets, which prevented the polls from commencing on time.
“These logistical and weather-related challenges underscore the need for better contingency planning to ensure the timely start of elections, regardless of external factors
“Security Concerns: Security personnel seemed to have a high presence in the state, assuring citizens of a peaceful process, these also includes the presence of NDLEA, the military, and the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
” There was a lack of security personnel available to accompany INEC staff in Oredo, which raised concerns about the protection of ballot boxes. These are some of the instances that can lead to violence.
“Weather-related transportation Issues: KDI field observers reported rainfall in some areas around Egor, Oredo, Igueben, Ovia Southeast, Uhunwonde, Owan Esan Central, Esan Northeast, and Etsako Central.
“The weather hindered boat transportation to riverine areas and delayed INEC staff, further complicating the delivery of materials and delaying the opening of polling units. Recall that KDI’s pre-election security risk assessment report (ESRA) had brought to the attention of INEC of the probability of 4 – 5 hours of rain on election day.
“Vote buying/selling: The political class in Nigeria continues to evolve strategies for vote buying a practice that has become increasingly prominent in the country’s elections,” he added.
He therefore urge all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, security agencies, and the electorates to uphold the rule of law and ensure a peaceful atmosphere as the elections progresses.
Chris Isiguzor,”We urge security agencies to be on the lookout for traders of votes for possible caution and or arrest where necessary to uphold the integrity of the 2024 off-cycle Edo State Governorship Elections.
“We encourage media outlets to promote peace and verified information to counter misinformation that could incite violence.”
