2023 Election: Buhari warns election saboteurs, as world powers close-mark Nigeria
…U.S., Japan, U.K. others, demand respect of electoral laws
…Nigerians at risk of cash inducement over Naira scarcity
…NPF ban officers from escorting politicians to polling unit
…87.2million PVCs collected — INEC
…U.S. commits over $25m to credible election
Olaseinde Gbenga, Joel Oladele, & Jeleel Olawale
Barely 24 hours to the Saturday Presidential and National Assembly elections, President Muhammadu Buhari and Security Chiefs in the Country have issued stern warnings to those described as election saboteurs that may be disposed to tarnish the credibility of the process.
The warnings come amidst declaration of world powers on their expectations from the Nigerian polls.
In his warning, President Buhari on Thursday frowned against riots and violence after election results are announced in the 2023 general polls.
“There should be no riots or acts of violence after the announcement of the election results,” Buhari said in a statement on Thursday, mentioning that “all grievances, personal or institutional, should be channeled to the relevant Courts.”
“I urge the candidates contesting these elections at all levels to respect the choice of voters and accept the result of the elections as announced by INEC, the agency empowered by law to do so,” he added.
Buhari, who was first elected in 2015 and 2019 for his second term as President, said he is working hard to pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible and transparent election when he leaves office on May 29 2023.
The President said he has demonstrated his desired legacy with the off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States.
“We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to this legacy in this administration.
“We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency,” he said.
Buhari disclosed that he has told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and all other relevant institutions to be firm and courageous, and to abide by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections.
“You are assured of this administration’s full and continuous support,” Buhari said, adding that “We must constantly improve our electoral process using technology and all the positive elements it brings, to consolidate the integrity of our elections.”
Security Agencies vow to deal with election saboteurs
On their part, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), among other security agencies, have vowed to deal with anyone who attempts to interrupt the Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
The spokespersons of the security agencies on Thursday read riot act to Nigerians, ahead of the 2023 elections, at a joint press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at the press conference, the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said security agencies are prepared to use strong force on anyone caught trying to subvert the general election.
He said security agencies are determined to ensure the conduct of peaceful general elections.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the restriction of movement from midnight on Friday until after the election on Saturday will be strictly enforced, as he warns non-voters to stay away from polling units.
In the same vein, the spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya, further added that the Service remains committed to protecting the nation’s democracy as he lists the quantity of arms and ammunition recovered from bandits and political thugs ahead of the elections.
Gusau restated that elections will be held in all parts of the country, urging Nigerians to discountenance threats from non-state actors as the southeast remains part of Nigeria, where elections will be held.
In a statement signed by Afunanya, the DSS further disclosed it has arrested a number of criminal elements and seized a large cache of lethal weapons from bandits and gunmen operating from different parts of the country a few days to the 2023 elections.
The raids, according to the statement, were carried out based on proactive and intelligence-led operations across the States.
The secret service said that the operations were a continuation of similar ones executed in December 2022 and January, 2023 during which suspects were arrested and arms and ammunition recovered across the geo-political zones of the country.
The DSS statement reads, “As you are aware, the general elections will commence on 25th February, 2023 — just a few hours from now. The DSS assures of its commitment to a peaceful exercise. It pledges its neutrality, professionalism and good conduct of its personnel to the democratic process. It will continue to discharge its mandate of disseminating timely, actionable and proactive intelligence necessary for tactical, operational and strategic decisions even beyond the elections.
“Also, it will partner with other sister security and law enforcement agencies; all levels and arms of Government and indeed all stakeholders particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a hitch free electoral exercise. In this regard, we call on all citizens and residents to be law abiding before, during and after the elections. Eligible voters are enjoined to cast their votes without any form of violence and also maintain the peace after that.
“To achieve the desired environment for the elections, the Service engaged in proactive and intelligence-led operations across the States. For instance, on 22nd February, 2023, the Service conducted a legally backed search operation on a property along Airport Road, Nasarawa LGA, Kano State. During the operation, it recovered dangerous weapons including a gun, daggers, swords, jack-knives from the said building. Pictures are attached herein:
“Therefore, the accusation that the Service intimidated a particular political party in that State is untrue; otherwise, how come those weapons were found there? Are those objects of violence campaign materials? Whether in Kano or elsewhere, the DSS has provided equal opportunities for all political parties to engage in their lawful activities. We can say this without any form of contradictions or equivocations.
“On the same 22nd February, 2023, the Service arrested a gunrunner, Aliyu YAHAYA, an associate of Kachalla Damina, a suspected bandit who operates around Dansadau, Zamfara State. Items recovered from YAHAYA include: one GPMG Rifle; one chain of ammunition, One Hundred and Ninety (190) rounds of GMPG Ammunition, Twenty Eight (28) rounds of AK47 Ammunition and One (1) grenade. The suspect was going to deliver the armaments to DAMINA .
“In Kaduna State, two (2) arm couriers namely Tukur Usman and Illiyasu Adamu were arrested at Chikun LGA, on 20th February, 2023. Three Hundred and Seventy-Two (372) rounds of 7.62 X 39mm ammunition; Twenty-Six (26) rounds of live ammunition for GPMG rifle were recovered from them. The duo are suspected arm suppliers to bandits in Zamfara State. Earlier, on 22nd January, 2023, the duo of Shafíu Usman and Ahmed Nasiru were arrested on the Barkin Ladi-Pankshin Road, Plateau State while on transit to deliver ammunitions to their customers. Six Hundred and Twelve (612) rounds of ammunition for GPMG-120 and AK-492 concealed in a bag of rice were seized from them.
“In furtherance of its collaborative efforts, the Service has engaged stakeholders including the Media, Faith and Community Based Organisations, Civil Society and others. While this is part of its non-kinetic strategies to maintain peace and public order before, during and after the elections, it will also not rest on its oars to identify and disrupt subversive tendencies; be they terrorists, kidnappers, hostage takers or outlawed violent separatist agitators and their likes. In discharging its mandate, the DSS will be fair, objective, transparent and accountable but like the President has directed, ‘Firm and Courageous.’ It will abide by the rule of law and comply with the tenets of democracy. The Service will be decisive in the implementation of its responsibilities and this will be done without let or hindrance.
“To strengthen these efforts, the Service has consolidated its public communication platforms. For ease of access, its website (www.dss.gov.ng) will remain interactive as ever; same with the email ([email protected]). Citizens and residents are at liberty to reach out to any of our offices nationwide. Open lines at the Headquarters are: +234 9153391309, +234 9153391310, +234 9088373514. The Service Command offices at the Local Government and State levels have been directed to assist the Police which is the lead Agency in the exercise to ensure adequate security.”
The security agencies promised to be fair and professional in the discharge of their election duties.
It was reported earlier that the Nigerian Police Force has banned its operatives and other security personnel attached to governors, ministers, and other government functionaries from escorting their principals to polling units in the 2023 elections.
This is as it ordered movement restriction for the first part of the 2023 General Elections – the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
The Force Headquarters, Wednesday night, announced that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba ordered no movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12am to 6pm on election day.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi said those on essential services such as Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials, observers, ambulances, firefighters, are exempted.
He noted that the directive is part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of the polls.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force has banned its operatives and other security personnel attached to governors, ministers, and other government functionaries from escorting their principals to polling units for voting.
This is as it ordered movement restriction for the first part of the 2023 General Elections – the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
The IGP warned security aides and escorts against accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres.
“Anyone found flouting this directive will be severely sanctioned. Only security personnel assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres,” the statement reads.
Adejobi said the ban on use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses is still in force, adding that violators would be sanctioned appropriately.
The Police further ordered all state-established security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guards to stay away from the national exercise.
“We urge the general public to contact the Joint Election Monitoring and Operations Room and use the Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line 08031230631 to report emergencies,” the statement concluded.
INEC expands distribution of sensitive materials nationwide, says ‘no PVC, no voting;’ 87.2million PVCs collected
Meanwhile, INEC has started nationwide distribution of sensitive materials for Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
Items distributed include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the result sheets as well as the ballot papers retrieved from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where they were kept for safe custody.
The distribution, which is still ongoing across the Country as the time of filing this report, was witnessed by all security agencies including the paramilitary; Police, Army, and representatives of political parties participating in the polls.
Meanwhile, the election management body has disclosed that a total of 87,209,007 Permanent Voter Cards PVCs have been collected by Nigerians.
A summation of PVCs collected on the basis of geopolitical zones showed that the Northwest has 21,445,000; Southwest, 15,536,213; North Central, 14,603,621; South-South, 13,284,920; North East, 11,937,769; and, South East, 10,401,484.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu in Abuja on Thursday during the media briefing towards the preparation for the election, said the Commission has meticulously prepared and implemented its Election Project Plan, learning from recent elections.
According to him, vote buying is not only an illegal but immoral practice that should be discouraged in order to sustain democracy.
He added that the Commision is working hand in glove with appropriate enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
“This election is a huge logistical deployment. We have painstakingly procured, organised, and delivered all the materials to the States for deployment. We commenced the delivery of non-sensitive materials over two months ago and they have been batched down to Registration Area/Ward and Pulling Unit levels.
“Sensitive materials have been delivered to the States and are presently being delivered to our Local Government Area offices. As such, these materials are only between one and two levels away from the Polling Units.
“We have achieved this by learning from our recent difficult experience with logistics. We have completed arrangements with the transport unions for the final leg of the movement of personnel and materials to the Polling Units. They have assured us of their readiness to provide all the vehicular needs of the Commission for the election,” he said.
Yakubu added that the Commission has also completed all the testing of its technologies to be deployed for the election, particularly the BVAS and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
“On 4th February 2023, we tested the BVAS in a mock accreditation exercise and uploaded the results to IReV. We are satisfied with the performance of the BVAS, which has been confirmed by several groups that observed the exercise. Lessons learnt from the exercise have helped us in the training of 10,600 Registration Area Technical Support Staff RATECHS. They will provide the necessary support to ensure that the deployment of the BVAS is without hitches.
“Let me reiterate that the procedure for voting as provided in the Electoral Act 2022, clearly makes the use of the BVAS mandatory. So also, the use of the Permanent Voters’ Card PVC. The ‘No PVC, No Voting’ rule subsists.
“In the last few months, we made 13,676,907 PVCs available for collection for new voters and applicants for transfer and replacement of lost/damaged cards. While we are pleased that the rate of collection is higher than in previous years, there are still, unfortunately, many cards that were not collected.
“Vote buying remains a major threat to our democracy. We have worked closely with enforcement agencies to ensure that this is eliminated from our electoral process. We are convinced that our joint operations before and on election day will vastly reduce the prospect of voter inducement, which is not only illegal but immoral,” he said.
“The ban on the use of mobile phones and photographic devices at the voting cubicles, is still in place. Some voters have used these devices in previous elections to snap their marked ballot papers for vote transaction.
“However, citizens are permitted to come to the Polling Units with these devices, as long as they do not take them to the voting cubicles. Our arrangement of placing the ballot box near the voting cubicle and away from party agents remains. Our staff have been trained in the administration of the Polling Units and their attention should be drawn to any deviation from that training,” he added.
He added that as part of efforts by the commision to decongest some polling units, 7 per cent of voters have been moved to less populated Polling Unit and urged every voter to cross-check their new Polling Units before election.
“A major part of our preparation for the General Election was the establishment of additional 56,872 Polling Units across the country, the first time of doing so since 1996. With this, we expanded voter access to polling units in Nigeria by over 32 per cent, making it possible for voters to have improved opportunities for casting their votes.
“Unfortunately, voters have not taken full advantage of this opportunity, resulting in 240 Polling Units without voters, and prompting the Commission to further move some voters out of congested Polling Units to less populated ones.
“I implore all voters to cross-check their Polling Units before the election. However, only 7 per vent of voters are affected by this movement. This means that the vast majority of voters will still vote in their usual Polling Units.
“We sent bulk phone text messages (SMS) to the affected voters, tasked our State offices for publicity in local languages and offered two unique ways by which voters can locate and confirm their polling units before Election Day by sending a normal text message to dedicated telephone numbers or by visiting our website. The detailed procedure is uploaded to our social media platforms.
“To mitigate the effects of naira scarcity on the election, Professor Yakubu said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has promised to make a small amount of cash available for some critical service providers for the election.
“As a result of recent developments in the economy, we have also had to consult with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the fuel situation.
“As you all know, we require Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) to power vehicles and boats for land and marine transportation as well as our generators during the election. We are pleased that the NNPC Limited assured us that it will ensure availability of the products for the polls.
“Likewise, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured us that it will provide us with the small amount of cash we require from our budget to cash payment to some critical service providers for the election. I must reiterate that the bulk of payment for works goods and services are still paid for by electronic transfer,” Yakubu said.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians of free, fair and credible elections, “I want to assure Nigerians that we are adequately prepared for this election. We remain fully committed to a free, fair and credible process. I want to once again declare that our allegiance is only to Nigerians. Our commitment is to ensure that in this election we put everything in place for free choice, fair contest and credible outcome.”
…World Powers close-mark Nigeria, demand respect of electoral laws
Meanwhile, world powers in the international realm have expressed their expectations from Nigeria.
On Thursday, U.S. President, Joe Biden, called for peaceful and credible 2023 general elections in Nigeria, saying the citizens deserve a chance to do so.
Biden made the call on his official Twitter handle, Thursday, calling on all candidates to respect the election results and back a peaceful transition.
“All Nigerians deserve a chance to choose their new leader through a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful process. As election day nears, I urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge to respect the election results and support a peaceful transition,” he tweeted on Thursday.
Biden’s message re-echoed the position of diplomatic missions which released a joint statement earlier, following a peace accord among candidates contesting the elections.
Furthermore in a joint statement, on Thursday, the United States, Australia, Japan, Norway, Canada, and the United Kingdom, welcoming the signing of the peace accord by the candidates committing to the peaceful conduct of the elections said, “We encourage all actors to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and avoid any violence in the periods before, during, and after the elections. We call on all officials at federal and local levels in Nigeria to respect the human and democratic rights of its citizens. We strongly condemn any actions that undermine the peaceful and transparent conduct of the electoral process.
“We call on parties to respect electoral laws and institutions and take a firm stand against violence and hate speech by their supporters. We ask the security services in Nigeria to do their utmost to protect that process and prevent and deter attacks against INEC facilities, materials and personnel.
“We call on all officials, including the law enforcement authorities, to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the exercise of public freedoms – including the freedom of opinion and expression, the freedom of peaceful assembly and the freedom of association – all of which are essential in democratic societies, in particular in the context of elections. Law enforcement authorities should remain visibly neutral and respond in a proportionate manner to any election-related incidents.
“We further urge all presidential candidates and political parties to live up to their commitments under the second Peace Accord to accept the results of the election as announced by INEC and to pursue any challenge of the results through the appropriate legal channels.
“Finally, we the Diplomatic Missions of the United States, Australia, Japan, Norway, Canada and the United Kingdom in Nigeria would like to congratulate Nigeria on its 24 years of democratic progress since 1999, during which it has been a symbol to others of the value of exercising democratic rights for the betterment of society. We hope that this year’s elections further build Nigeria’s democratic tradition,” the Countries said.
U.S. commits over $25m to credible election
Meanwhile, the U.S. Government has said it has committed over $25 million dollars for a credible election ni Nigeria.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Marybeth Leonard, disclosed that the U.S. government has supported the Nigerian government with over $25 million through different programmes toward achieving free, fair, and credible elections this year.
Leonard made this known in a roundtable with some journalists in Abuja, on Thursday, noting that the U.S. government supported a credible electoral process but does not support a particular party or candidate.
She said the U.S. had been very present in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, commending Nigeria for upholding a peaceful, and consistent democracy.
“So, we have long been involved in democracy and governance through programmes in Nigeria, and probably we are spending about $25 million with particular reference to this election.
“We are doing many things. First of all, we are sponsoring an independent observation mission with some very high-powered delegation, U.S Veterans. They are independent of us, but we have played a role in facilitating.
“We have worked with INEC itself, on some of the technical aspects. For example, we trained some 1,800 technical workers on how to trouble shoot the BVAS and those people in their turns have trained hundreds of thousands of other people.
“We have done a lot of trying to facilitate diversity of participation in elections, to make it easier for a lot of people with disabilities. We are encouraging youth and women to vote.
“We have worked with journalists to train them on how to spot misinformation; how journalists engage during electoral processes. We have worked with security agencies.
“I think we have had a well-rounded interaction regarding this election and again, we are really looking forward to seeing the peaceful elections,” Leonard said.
Leonard urged the presidential candidates and political parties in the general elections to preserve the nation’s democracy by respecting the Peace Accord they committed to and encourage peaceful polls.
She said that just like the candidates and political parties, every Nigerian has the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful process, warning Nigerians against anyone who would try to incite violence.
“Everybody has an obligation to contribute to a peaceful execution of election. Security agencies have a formal role, politicians have a role, campaigns have a role, individuals have a role.
“Some of the things you see on social media are disturbing with inciting of violence, and I think all Nigerians have to think about that carefully, your vote is your voice.
“We urge the candidate and political parties to respect the outcomes of the elections and the National Peace Commission should be commended for their roles.
“I will hope that leaders take their commitments seriously,” Leonard said.
“Nigerians should be very proud of their country as they go into elections. You think about the landscape in West Africa these days where there are so many people pursuing extra terms, or where there are coups.
“But here in Nigeria, the peaceful transfer of power and the idea of term limits is just part of the widely accepted political culture at the time that is not true in many places in this area.
“Another point of pride to Nigeria is how well you have done this in the 22, 23 years of democratic era.
“I think you go into this process with some advantages, due to the recent electoral act which provides a lot of comfort in BVAS and electronic transmission of results, so I think it can give Nigerian voters extra comfort that their votes is properly handed and counted.”
Nigerians at risk of cash inducement over Naira scarcity
Meanwhile, over the scarcity of Naira notes and its consequences on the Saturday polls, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions.
While some believe, it would further lure many to be induced easily by cash which has become so scarce, some believe it would not change their choices, while others have expressed apathy for the process.
In Ile-Ife, Osun State, there has been palpable fear in the town as to what may be security and logistic situations on Saturday election.
Findings by our correspondent showed that voters are contemplating whether to participate in the Saturday election or not due to Naira scarcity.
Residents have besieged banks to withdraw their money based on unconfirmed reports that online transactions may be blocked by the Central Bank of Nigeria and banks may be asked to shut on Friday against vote buying.
Mr Yisau Musa, a road side motorcycle mechanic, who spoke with our correspondent on possible buying and selling of vote on Saturday, condemned buying and selling of vote, describing it as ugly of Nigeria’s democracy.
He said for voters selling their votes, it is like mortgaging their future generation for small gain.
“Vote buying is evil and alien to our democratic system which portends danger to societal development.
“I don’t believe in selling vote which I can never involve in the illicit act. It is evil and barbaric. This is one of the reasons Nigeria’s democracy may not grow compare to developed countries of the world.
“I have just one vote which I will vote and go home. I will not collect money from anybody. I even heard that some politicians have been going round to collect account number of electorates to transfer money into their account immediately they voted for the candidate of their party.
“I want government to shut online transactions on the day of election to avoid vote buying and selling business on election day.
“The Naira scarcity may force some electorates to collect money from politicians due to the fact that they have no access to cash and feeding their family has become difficult for them.
“Many families are suffering due to Naira scarcity. So, they may want to use election opportunity to get money. Poverty of Naira had made it difficult to predict what may likely play out on Saturday,” Yisau posited.
Also, speaking on the same subject matter, Mr Adedeji Ifeoluwa, a civil servant in Osun State said, he would collect money if offered and vote according to his conscience, adding that vote buying will dominate Saturday election because of Naira scarcity.
He said if offered money, it will not affect his decision on who to vote for, on the election day, saying this happened during Osun governorship election when people collected money from the All Progressives Congress and voted for Peoples Democratic Party.
Adedeji stressed further that vote inducement will dominate Saturday election because of Naira scarcity imbroglio currently facing Nigerians, noting that the turnout will be impressive due to economic crisis bedevilling the country.
“They will come out to collect money since they could not access their money. There may likely be pocket crisis among politicians as witnessed today (Thursday) in Ilesa and other towns in Osun State. They will give electorate fake alert transaction on Saturday,” Adedeji said.
A visit to banks revealed that some banks did not open to customers due to lack of cash to be disbursed to customers, as many bank customers who besieged banks were stranded only to discover that banks did not open.
The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mayfair unit in Osun State, Comrade Adewole Idowu said, they will go out and vote on Saturday without collecting money from politicians, adding that they were affected by Naira scarcity, but optimistic that his members will come out to vote.
The polls will begin on Saturday, February 25 with the presidential and National Assembly elections in all Nigerian States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, while the governorship and state house of assemblies elections are scheduled for Saturday, 11 March.
