By Abubakar Yunus
An independent non-governmental organization, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), has urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute all electoral offenders apprehended in the November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship elections. The outcomes of these investigations should be widely publicized to serve as a deterrent to others.
KDI commended the presence of security agents in the three states, emphasizing that a secure election environment is crucial for maximum citizen participation.
The organization also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for keeping his promise while encouraging the police authority to investigate reported cases of officers compromised by politicians during the election.
KDI called upon all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, candidates, youth leaders, security officers, and political stalwarts, to abide by the rules and ensure a peaceful atmosphere post-election. In case of concerns, they are urged to seek redress within the confines of the law.
At the post-election briefing in Abuja, KDI team lead, Bokula Idowu, lamented the persistence of vote-buying in Nigerian politics, citing instances in the Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi Governorship Elections.
“Despite the heavy security presence in some polling units, incidents of intimidation, harassment, voter suppression, and vote trading occurred without challenge from security agents”.
Idowu highlighted reports suggesting that security agents were active perpetrators of violence on election day in the three states, emphasizing the need for both voters and politicians to move away from the politics of vote-buying to ensure genuinely free and fair elections.
“We urged journalists to use their platforms to propagate peace messages and circulate verified information. Citizens were also encouraged to obtain information from reputable sources, fact-check before circulation, as fake news can incite post-election violence and mislead the public.
“We called for an independent inquiry and process audit of INEC, advocating for comprehensive reforms in the commission’s operations and the electoral process.
“Additionally, KDI supported the call to unbundle INEC and decentralize some of the commission’s mandates for improved election administration.”
