Electoral Hub seeks peaceful, credible elections in Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi

As Nigeria prepares for off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states, a think-tank group, The Electoral Hub, has called for the safeguard of the institutional integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the integrity of the electoral process in order to ensure elections are peaceful and credible.

The Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, in a statement on Friday, said a hitch-free process rooted in the principle of electoral integrity can only be achieved through the optimal performance of all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

She said, “Complexities arising from electoral contests in the states have already resulted in litigations and nullifications which have altered the election cycle in these states. It is therefore, necessary that stakeholders act concertedly toward upholding ideals of electoral integrity and credibility to ensure that the outcome of the process reflects the will of the people.

“As residents of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States prepare for their off-cycle governorship elections on November 11, 2023, the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and its electoral arm, The Electoral Hub, has observed with keen interest the preparations for, and events leading to the elections. We have observed amongst others, security issues across the three states, preparations of INEC, activities of public office holders, state ministries, departments and agencies, and those of civil society actors and citizens. We urge duty bearers in the off-cycle elections would exert utmost effort to ensure a seamless contest.

“Prior to these off-cycle governorship elections, the pre-election discussion has been centered around the growing insecurity and the violence reported across the three states which has resulted in the prediction of voter apathy, vote suppression, and voter disenfranchisement. This makes it a necessity for security agencies to deploy every tool at their disposal towards preventing and containing security and violence threats. Efforts should be concentrated at preventing an outbreak of violence at identified hotspots.

“Political parties and contestants also have a fundamental role to play in ensuring peaceful electoral conduct. We call on parties and contestants to adhere to ideals of democratic contests, play by the rules guiding contests, and to dissuade their supporters from engaging in violence and other electoral offences. These will serve, not only to prevent electoral violence but also to ensure a credible process rooted in the principles of electoral integrity.”