By-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across 16 constituencies in 12 states were overshadowed by violence, arrests, technical issues, and allegations of electoral malpractice.
The elections, held to fill vacancies caused by resignations and deaths in both national and state assemblies, were marred by reports of vote-buying, voter intimidation, and malfunctioning of electoral devices, particularly in states such as Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, and Edo.
Widespread Arrests and Allegations in Ogun and Kano
In Ogun State, police arrested two INEC officials and members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) at a hotel in Iperu-Remo. The suspects were allegedly found in possession of ₦2.5 million, believed to be linked to vote-buying. One of the arrested INEC officials reportedly claimed the money was collected on instructions from a supervisor at a nearby hotel. However, a PDP member featured in a viral video denied any wrongdoing, claiming no knowledge of the money.
The PDP condemned the arrests, calling them an attempt to intimidate and disenfranchise its members. The party's media director, Akinloye Bankole, insisted that the arrested party official had only ₦100,000 and no electoral materials, alleging the incident was a politically motivated attack.
In Kano State, 288 suspected thugs were arrested during the Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency elections. The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Bakori, confirmed that the suspects were allegedly hired to disrupt the electoral process. Following the unrest, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP called for the cancellation of the elections in the affected constituencies, citing widespread violence and irregularities.
Security Concerns and Alleged Abduction in Kaduna
In Kaduna, the PDP claimed that its House of Representatives candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, was abducted alongside 25 supporters. According to state party chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha, the arrests occurred during a late-night raid by security operatives at a hotel in Malali, allegedly targeting a PDP campaign leader.
Separately, police in Kaduna arrested a suspect found in possession of over ₦25 million in cash, allegedly intended for vote-buying. The individual reportedly admitted the funds were meant to influence voters.
Vote Buying Allegations in Oyo and Anambra
In Oyo State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, accused political actors of widespread vote-buying. He claimed voters were offered money and other incentives in exchange for their support.
Similar allegations emerged in Anambra State, where the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was accused of inducing voters in Nnewi South, Nnewi North, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo local government areas during the senatorial by-election.
Technical Glitches Reported in Edo State
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo raised concerns over the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). After casting his vote at his polling unit in Esan Central Local Government Area, Okpebholo criticized the slow operation of the devices, describing the delays as frustrating for voters and urging INEC to address the issue promptly.
Elections Conducted in 12 States
The by-elections covered two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo states, five federal constituencies across Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo, and nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (two), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara. In addition, court-ordered re-run elections were conducted in Onitsha South 1 (Anambra) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano).
As the fallout from the elections continues, political parties and civil society observers are urging INEC and security agencies to investigate the incidents thoroughly and ensure future elections are conducted in a more transparent and peaceful manner.
Post a Comment