Electoral violence and irregularities: Implications in Nigeria Democracy and Future Election (A Case Study of 2023 General Election)
Abdulbaki Muhammad Yusif and Igweshi Augustine
INTRODUCTION
The Nigerian 2023 General election is one of the most historical elections in the country history and it results in serious consequences for developmental sectors and for citizens. The introduction of cashless policy and change of note by the federal government has played a vital role during election. It was revealed that the level of vote buying was seemingly reduced compared to previous elections, however in reality vote buying was increased through bank transfers, payment in kind, promise of payment post election and through other unscrupulous means. Post-election reports stated that people voted the candidate of their choices from different political parties but in reality, there were several incidents where persons were being chased from voting stations, barred from voting for specific candidates and some were violently attacked and suffered psychological and physical wounds.
Before the Nigerian 2023 General election there was an increase in usage of abusive words, blackmailing and hate speeches during political parties’ campaign through electronic media, social media and even at the podium. Politicians were alleged to have used thugs to kill or maime persons irrespective of his/her status just to win election and this has impacted voter turnout. Secondly, vote buying remains a constant weapon politicians have used to win elections and this issue has a strong connection with poverty and illiteracy. Another factor which has been proven to be a hindrance to a fair and equal election is the close marking agents of all political parties, they have followed persons to the voting box to prevent persons from free will and from exercising their civic rights.
Finally, the worst part and the highest degree of any crime being perpetrated during election is the collaboration of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and security personnel. This collaboration has proved to be unpatriotic, corrupt and self-centered in ways that usually involve discharging their duties with bias and discrimination. Some examples include the illegal declaring Aisha Binani as the winner of election by the residence electoral commissioner while the result coalition is ongoing, the changing and crossing out of voting numbers of the ballot papers, the incorrect totaling of voting turnout versus voting numbers assigned to specific candidates and the declaration of winners total count not correlating with the total count on their website.
Electoral violence and irregularities during the 2023 General Election.
Two major problems that arose after the election have had some lasting effects on the population. The first problem occurred at the collation centre where hoodlums and miscreants were allowed to stationed themselves freely and had dangerous weapons and went as far as to shout and threaten electoral officers to declare their ‘masters’ as winners and return or be dealt with ruthlessly. Imagine this display of stupidity was taken place in front of security personnel that were also well equipped with weapons far better than those in possession by miscreants but did nothing. These thugs usually carry local weapons such as knives, cutlass, daggers and so on, while the security personnel are suppose to be well trained and in possession of sophisticated weapons such as AK47, AK49, pistol etc but with all these at their disposal, these political thugs were still free and confident in carrying out actions outside lawful parameter and were not arrested or punished.
Furthermore, rallying is another avenue whereby political thugs and their masters make advantages after the election is declared and not in their favor, they usually carry out certain behaviors such as harassment, beating, vandalization of properties, be it movable and immovable and even setting many ablaze. A typical example of this occurrence was in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State, during the presidential and National Assembly elections where by a serving law maker at the National Assembly and a majority leader and his thugs carried out such acts and although he is attained before the court of law and charged with culpable homicide, conspiracy, causing disturbance and arson; this behavior should be tolerated going forward if we want Nigeria to be the place of choice to live, work, study and do business.
The Nigeria civil society’s Situation Room reported that during the supplementary election, there was a high rate of vote buying, with some political parties displaying reckless abandonmen and some of their patterns of vote buying were seen in polling unit 008, Burum Burum Ward, Tudun Wada LGA, Kano State, where bags of fertilizer, Atamfa (a brand of ankara fabric) and N5, 000 were shared to voters who voted for a particular Party. Other places include: polling unit 06, Atani 1 Ward, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra and polling unit 024, Badon Uku Uku Ward, Wamakko LGA, Sokoto States.
One of the irregularities in Nigerian democracy is the illegal declaration of a winner made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Adamawa State, Barr. Yunusa Hudu Ari, while collation of results was yet to be concluded. Section 25(2)(f) and Section 66 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers only the returning officer for a Governorship election to announce the result and declare the winner following conclusion of the collation process at State Collation Centre.
Voter Intimidation and Suppression
Reports of voter intimidation and suppression were also received particularly from Uzebu Ward, Oredo LGA, Edo State where local thugs took over Uzebu 1. Owegie Primary School 1 polling unit and the few voters who showed up to vote were asked to display their ballot papers after thumb printing. Also, the Presiding Officer in Kahuta (003) polling unit, Kauru East Ward, Kaura LGA in Kaduna State, is reported to have asked voters which Party they were voting for and consequently paired them with Party Agents. This kind of barbaric behavior was seen in many other states such as Lagos, Abuja, Uyo, Borno and others.
Disruption of Polls and Election Violence
Situation Room received reports of disruption of voting in some States with pockets of election violence. In Anambra State, political thugs stormed Atani 1 Ward in Ogbaru LGA and attempted to hijack ballot boxes but were arrested by the Nigerian Army. In Takakume Ward, Goronyo LGA and Badon Uku Uku Ward in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, and fight broke out between different party agents and voters. Polling units 002, 003, 005 in Amuri 1, Amandugba Ward, Isu LGA, Imo State, witnessed political thugs carting away election materials. Violence also erupted in polling unit 05, Utai Ward, Wudil LGA, Kano State, which led to several voters sustaining varying degrees of injury. Party agents also disrupted the voting exercise in polling unit 010, Iyiowa/Odekpe/Ohita Ward, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State, thereby halting the voting process for over an hour. Situation Room strongly condemns the attacks on election officials in both Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, and in Adamawa State. Desperation of some politicians must not be allowed to disrupt the electoral process and endanger the lives of election officials and voters.
Generally, there was presence of security personnel in most of the polling units observed. However, their impact was not felt in the places where there were violent incidents. It is the duty of security personnel deployed for election duties to protect voters, election officials and materials, which they failed to do in these instances, a reflection of what was witnessed during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections in February and March. This phenomenon is appearing to be the new normal.
Implication of violence and irregularities in Nigeria democracy and future election
In a nutshell, the aforementioned problems have negative implications for the Nigeria’s Democracy and future elections as most of the politicians believe that, they can only win elections through violence and vote buying. This has affected the population’s civic rights, the true representation of who the people actually want to lead them, young people has lost their confidence and hope in Nigeria and the political system and this might lead Nigeria into another 8 years of terror. It is time for us to hold our leaders accountable regardless of tribe, religion or state. Issues within Nigeria does not only affect some people but every single citizen so choosing a leader ought to be thoroughly done. A leader reflects the people who voted them in so it’s not late to stand for what is right and who is best to lead.
Reference
- Nigeria civil society situation room “Interim statements on Governorship & state house assembly, Presidential, senate and house of representation, and supplementary elections in Nigeria.”
- Hamisu Halilu “causes of violence before, during and after election in Nigeria, and measures to be taken in order to prevent it, a case study of Kano state”.
Authors
Abdulbaki Muhammad Yusif is a Peace Advocate with CEPASD
Igweshi Augustine is the Executive Director at CEPASD
Electoral violence and irregularities: Implications in Nigeria Democracy and Future Election (A Case Study of 2023 General Election)
Abdulbaki Muhammad Yusif and Igweshi Augustine
INTRODUCTION
The Nigerian 2023 General election is one of the most historical elections in the country history and it results in serious consequences for developmental sectors and for citizens. The introduction of cashless policy and change of note by the federal government has played a vital role during election. It was revealed that the level of vote buying was seemingly reduced compared to previous elections, however in reality vote buying was increased through bank transfers, payment in kind, promise of payment post election and through other unscrupulous means. Post-election reports stated that people voted the candidate of their choices from different political parties but in reality, there were several incidents where persons were being chased from voting stations, barred from voting for specific candidates and some were violently attacked and suffered psychological and physical wounds.
Before the Nigerian 2023 General election there was an increase in usage of abusive words, blackmailing and hate speeches during political parties’ campaign through electronic media, social media and even at the podium. Politicians were alleged to have used thugs to kill or maime persons irrespective of his/her status just to win election and this has impacted voter turnout. Secondly, vote buying remains a constant weapon politicians have used to win elections and this issue has a strong connection with poverty and illiteracy. Another factor which has been proven to be a hindrance to a fair and equal election is the close marking agents of all political parties, they have followed persons to the voting box to prevent persons from free will and from exercising their civic rights.
Finally, the worst part and the highest degree of any crime being perpetrated during election is the collaboration of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and security personnel. This collaboration has proved to be unpatriotic, corrupt and self-centered in ways that usually involve discharging their duties with bias and discrimination. Some examples include the illegal declaring Aisha Binani as the winner of election by the residence electoral commissioner while the result coalition is ongoing, the changing and crossing out of voting numbers of the ballot papers, the incorrect totaling of voting turnout versus voting numbers assigned to specific candidates and the declaration of winners total count not correlating with the total count on their website.
Electoral violence and irregularities during the 2023 General Election.
Two major problems that arose after the election have had some lasting effects on the population. The first problem occurred at the collation centre where hoodlums and miscreants were allowed to stationed themselves freely and had dangerous weapons and went as far as to shout and threaten electoral officers to declare their ‘masters’ as winners and return or be dealt with ruthlessly. Imagine this display of stupidity was taken place in front of security personnel that were also well equipped with weapons far better than those in possession by miscreants but did nothing. These thugs usually carry local weapons such as knives, cutlass, daggers and so on, while the security personnel are suppose to be well trained and in possession of sophisticated weapons such as AK47, AK49, pistol etc but with all these at their disposal, these political thugs were still free and confident in carrying out actions outside lawful parameter and were not arrested or punished.
Furthermore, rallying is another avenue whereby political thugs and their masters make advantages after the election is declared and not in their favor, they usually carry out certain behaviors such as harassment, beating, vandalization of properties, be it movable and immovable and even setting many ablaze. A typical example of this occurrence was in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State, during the presidential and National Assembly elections where by a serving law maker at the National Assembly and a majority leader and his thugs carried out such acts and although he is attained before the court of law and charged with culpable homicide, conspiracy, causing disturbance and arson; this behavior should be tolerated going forward if we want Nigeria to be the place of choice to live, work, study and do business.
The Nigeria civil society’s Situation Room reported that during the supplementary election, there was a high rate of vote buying, with some political parties displaying reckless abandonmen and some of their patterns of vote buying were seen in polling unit 008, Burum Burum Ward, Tudun Wada LGA, Kano State, where bags of fertilizer, Atamfa (a brand of ankara fabric) and N5, 000 were shared to voters who voted for a particular Party. Other places include: polling unit 06, Atani 1 Ward, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra and polling unit 024, Badon Uku Uku Ward, Wamakko LGA, Sokoto States.
One of the irregularities in Nigerian democracy is the illegal declaration of a winner made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Adamawa State, Barr. Yunusa Hudu Ari, while collation of results was yet to be concluded. Section 25(2)(f) and Section 66 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers only the returning officer for a Governorship election to announce the result and declare the winner following conclusion of the collation process at State Collation Centre.
Voter Intimidation and Suppression
Reports of voter intimidation and suppression were also received particularly from Uzebu Ward, Oredo LGA, Edo State where local thugs took over Uzebu 1. Owegie Primary School 1 polling unit and the few voters who showed up to vote were asked to display their ballot papers after thumb printing. Also, the Presiding Officer in Kahuta (003) polling unit, Kauru East Ward, Kaura LGA in Kaduna State, is reported to have asked voters which Party they were voting for and consequently paired them with Party Agents. This kind of barbaric behavior was seen in many other states such as Lagos, Abuja, Uyo, Borno and others.
Disruption of Polls and Election Violence
Situation Room received reports of disruption of voting in some States with pockets of election violence. In Anambra State, political thugs stormed Atani 1 Ward in Ogbaru LGA and attempted to hijack ballot boxes but were arrested by the Nigerian Army. In Takakume Ward, Goronyo LGA and Badon Uku Uku Ward in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, and fight broke out between different party agents and voters. Polling units 002, 003, 005 in Amuri 1, Amandugba Ward, Isu LGA, Imo State, witnessed political thugs carting away election materials. Violence also erupted in polling unit 05, Utai Ward, Wudil LGA, Kano State, which led to several voters sustaining varying degrees of injury. Party agents also disrupted the voting exercise in polling unit 010, Iyiowa/Odekpe/Ohita Ward, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State, thereby halting the voting process for over an hour. Situation Room strongly condemns the attacks on election officials in both Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, and in Adamawa State. Desperation of some politicians must not be allowed to disrupt the electoral process and endanger the lives of election officials and voters.
Generally, there was presence of security personnel in most of the polling units observed. However, their impact was not felt in the places where there were violent incidents. It is the duty of security personnel deployed for election duties to protect voters, election officials and materials, which they failed to do in these instances, a reflection of what was witnessed during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections in February and March. This phenomenon is appearing to be the new normal.
Implication of violence and irregularities in Nigeria democracy and future election
In a nutshell, the aforementioned problems have negative implications for the Nigeria’s Democracy and future elections as most of the politicians believe that, they can only win elections through violence and vote buying. This has affected the population’s civic rights, the true representation of who the people actually want to lead them, young people has lost their confidence and hope in Nigeria and the political system and this might lead Nigeria into another 8 years of terror. It is time for us to hold our leaders accountable regardless of tribe, religion or state. Issues within Nigeria does not only affect some people but every single citizen so choosing a leader ought to be thoroughly done. A leader reflects the people who voted them in so it’s not late to stand for what is right and who is best to lead.
Reference
- Nigeria civil society situation room “Interim statements on Governorship & state house assembly, Presidential, senate and house of representation, and supplementary elections in Nigeria.”
- Hamisu Halilu “causes of violence before, during and after election in Nigeria, and measures to be taken in order to prevent it, a case study of Kano state”.
Authors
Abdulbaki Muhammad Yusif is a Peace Advocate with CEPASD
Igweshi Augustine is the Executive Director at CEPASD
Electoral violence and irregularities: Implications in Nigeria Democracy and Future Election (A Case Study of 2023 General Election)
Abdulbaki Muhammad Yusif and Igweshi Augustine
INTRODUCTION
The Nigerian 2023 General election is one of the most historical elections in the country history and it results in serious consequences for developmental sectors and for citizens. The introduction of cashless policy and change of note by the federal government has played a vital role during election. It was revealed that the level of vote buying was seemingly reduced compared to previous elections, however in reality vote buying was increased through bank transfers, payment in kind, promise of payment post election and through other unscrupulous means. Post-election reports stated that people voted the candidate of their choices from different political parties but in reality, there were several incidents where persons were being chased from voting stations, barred from voting for specific candidates and some were violently attacked and suffered psychological and physical wounds.
Before the Nigerian 2023 General election there was an increase in usage of abusive words, blackmailing and hate speeches during political parties’ campaign through electronic media, social media and even at the podium. Politicians were alleged to have used thugs to kill or maime persons irrespective of his/her status just to win election and this has impacted voter turnout. Secondly, vote buying remains a constant weapon politicians have used to win elections and this issue has a strong connection with poverty and illiteracy. Another factor which has been proven to be a hindrance to a fair and equal election is the close marking agents of all political parties, they have followed persons to the voting box to prevent persons from free will and from exercising their civic rights.
Finally, the worst part and the highest degree of any crime being perpetrated during election is the collaboration of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and security personnel. This collaboration has proved to be unpatriotic, corrupt and self-centered in ways that usually involve discharging their duties with bias and discrimination. Some examples include the illegal declaring Aisha Binani as the winner of election by the residence electoral commissioner while the result coalition is ongoing, the changing and crossing out of voting numbers of the ballot papers, the incorrect totaling of voting turnout versus voting numbers assigned to specific candidates and the declaration of winners total count not correlating with the total count on their website.
Electoral violence and irregularities during the 2023 General Election.
Two major problems that arose after the election have had some lasting effects on the population. The first problem occurred at the collation centre where hoodlums and miscreants were allowed to stationed themselves freely and had dangerous weapons and went as far as to shout and threaten electoral officers to declare their ‘masters’ as winners and return or be dealt with ruthlessly. Imagine this display of stupidity was taken place in front of security personnel that were also well equipped with weapons far better than those in possession by miscreants but did nothing. These thugs usually carry local weapons such as knives, cutlass, daggers and so on, while the security personnel are suppose to be well trained and in possession of sophisticated weapons such as AK47, AK49, pistol etc but with all these at their disposal, these political thugs were still free and confident in carrying out actions outside lawful parameter and were not arrested or punished.
Furthermore, rallying is another avenue whereby political thugs and their masters make advantages after the election is declared and not in their favor, they usually carry out certain behaviors such as harassment, beating, vandalization of properties, be it movable and immovable and even setting many ablaze. A typical example of this occurrence was in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State, during the presidential and National Assembly elections where by a serving law maker at the National Assembly and a majority leader and his thugs carried out such acts and although he is attained before the court of law and charged with culpable homicide, conspiracy, causing disturbance and arson; this behavior should be tolerated going forward if we want Nigeria to be the place of choice to live, work, study and do business.
The Nigeria civil society’s Situation Room reported that during the supplementary election, there was a high rate of vote buying, with some political parties displaying reckless abandonmen and some of their patterns of vote buying were seen in polling unit 008, Burum Burum Ward, Tudun Wada LGA, Kano State, where bags of fertilizer, Atamfa (a brand of ankara fabric) and N5, 000 were shared to voters who voted for a particular Party. Other places include: polling unit 06, Atani 1 Ward, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra and polling unit 024, Badon Uku Uku Ward, Wamakko LGA, Sokoto States.
One of the irregularities in Nigerian democracy is the illegal declaration of a winner made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Adamawa State, Barr. Yunusa Hudu Ari, while collation of results was yet to be concluded. Section 25(2)(f) and Section 66 of the Electoral Act 2022 empowers only the returning officer for a Governorship election to announce the result and declare the winner following conclusion of the collation process at State Collation Centre.
Voter Intimidation and Suppression
Reports of voter intimidation and suppression were also received particularly from Uzebu Ward, Oredo LGA, Edo State where local thugs took over Uzebu 1. Owegie Primary School 1 polling unit and the few voters who showed up to vote were asked to display their ballot papers after thumb printing. Also, the Presiding Officer in Kahuta (003) polling unit, Kauru East Ward, Kaura LGA in Kaduna State, is reported to have asked voters which Party they were voting for and consequently paired them with Party Agents. This kind of barbaric behavior was seen in many other states such as Lagos, Abuja, Uyo, Borno and others.
Disruption of Polls and Election Violence
Situation Room received reports of disruption of voting in some States with pockets of election violence. In Anambra State, political thugs stormed Atani 1 Ward in Ogbaru LGA and attempted to hijack ballot boxes but were arrested by the Nigerian Army. In Takakume Ward, Goronyo LGA and Badon Uku Uku Ward in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, and fight broke out between different party agents and voters. Polling units 002, 003, 005 in Amuri 1, Amandugba Ward, Isu LGA, Imo State, witnessed political thugs carting away election materials. Violence also erupted in polling unit 05, Utai Ward, Wudil LGA, Kano State, which led to several voters sustaining varying degrees of injury. Party agents also disrupted the voting exercise in polling unit 010, Iyiowa/Odekpe/Ohita Ward, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State, thereby halting the voting process for over an hour. Situation Room strongly condemns the attacks on election officials in both Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, and in Adamawa State. Desperation of some politicians must not be allowed to disrupt the electoral process and endanger the lives of election officials and voters.
Generally, there was presence of security personnel in most of the polling units observed. However, their impact was not felt in the places where there were violent incidents. It is the duty of security personnel deployed for election duties to protect voters, election officials and materials, which they failed to do in these instances, a reflection of what was witnessed during the 2023 Presidential and Governorship Elections in February and March. This phenomenon is appearing to be the new normal.
Implication of violence and irregularities in Nigeria democracy and future election
In a nutshell, the aforementioned problems have negative implications for the Nigeria’s Democracy and future elections as most of the politicians believe that, they can only win elections through violence and vote buying. This has affected the population’s civic rights, the true representation of who the people actually want to lead them, young people has lost their confidence and hope in Nigeria and the political system and this might lead Nigeria into another 8 years of terror. It is time for us to hold our leaders accountable regardless of tribe, religion or state. Issues within Nigeria does not only affect some people but every single citizen so choosing a leader ought to be thoroughly done. A leader reflects the people who voted them in so it’s not late to stand for what is right and who is best to lead.
Reference
- Nigeria civil society situation room “Interim statements on Governorship & state house assembly, Presidential, senate and house of representation, and supplementary elections in Nigeria.”
- Hamisu Halilu “causes of violence before, during and after election in Nigeria, and measures to be taken in order to prevent it, a case study of Kano state”.
Authors
Abdulbaki Muhammad Yusif is a Peace Advocate with CEPASD
Igweshi Augustine is the Executive Director at CEPASD
