The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces a formidable challenge in the forthcoming 21st of September Edo State governorship election, with the commission’s chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, playing a pivotal role in its effectiveness.
The stakes are high, as the major political parties and their supporters have made it clear that they intend to make the electoral process exceedingly difficult.
The intense rivalry between the state’s leading parties has already embroiled the police—the principal security agency in elections—in a contentious struggle for dominance.
The situation has escalated dramatically, with the tragic death of a senior police officer and ongoing disputes about responsibility.
Accusations swirl regarding the use of state security forces to intimidate the opposition, while the ruling party claims that the police are biassed towards the opposition, which benefits from federal support.
The atmosphere of acrimony was starkly evident during the recent Peace Accord signing, where both the ruling and opposition parties initially refused to participate.
Although the opposition eventually signed, the ruling party’s refusal to engage has drawn criticism from civil society.
The vitriolic campaigns by both sides have fostered a climate of fear among voters, who now face an unsettling uncertainty about their safety. As the election approaches, it is clear that INEC’s role will be crucial in navigating this treacherous landscape and ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral process.
The upcoming Edo State governorship election has devolved into a toxic and combustible contest, with political actors shamelessly prioritising power acquisition over the welfare of citizens.
The prognosis is bleak, with observing organisations like Yiaga Africa warning of rampant vote-buying and selling. It’s a grim reminder that the political class is more interested in capturing power than in providing quality governance.
The awful drama unfolding in Edo State sets the tone for all that could go wrong in this do-or-die affair. Yet, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must stand its ground and ensure that transparency and fairness are upheld, according to the rules, guidelines, and constitutional requirements. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust.
The political actors’ brazen disregard for the citizens’ welfare is appalling. Their toxic exchanges and vote-buying schemes are a slap in the face to the very people they claim to represent. It’s a stark reminder that the electoral process is being hijacked by those who seek to exploit it for their own gain.
INEC faces its toughest challenge yet in Edo State. The electoral body must resist the pressure to compromise and ensure that the election is conducted with integrity.
The people of Edo State deserve nothing less. It’s time for INEC to prove its mettle and safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process. The nation is watching, and the stakes have never been higher.
Agreed, it must function effectively in a volatile environment, but it cannot compromise on its principles. The commission cannot be influenced by political manoeuvres, especially given the low trust in state institutions.
It is important that the commission remains impartial in this election, particularly as concerns are raised about the state resident electoral commissioner.
The chairman faces significant pressure to ensure that his staff neither falter due to incompetence nor engage in any misconduct. Yakubu’s confirmation of the commission’s readiness is reassuring, but the margin for error must be minimal.
The same standards apply to the police. Unfortunately, the force often becomes entangled in political disputes due to some personnel’s connections with politicians. For this election, the police have already faced challenges.
Nevertheless, we expect the police to adhere to professional standards and avoid compromising the process. Their role in maintaining law and order is crucial for encouraging voter participation.
The Inspector-General of Police, like the INEC chairman, bears a substantial responsibility to ensure that all personnel follow ethical guidelines and rules in their election duties.
The political actors, candidates, and parties have recklessly created a toxic environment ahead of the election, putting the entire state at risk.
Their ruthless pursuit of power has already claimed lives and destroyed properties. Let them be warned: they will be held accountable by posterity for every life lost due to their inflammatory actions and comments.
We demand that President Bola Tinubu takes immediate action to address this crisis.
As the President of Nigeria, he must rise above party politics and assert his authority to ensure that all state institutions and actors comply with the electoral laws and guidelines.
In a national broadcast, he must unequivocally mandate that all stakeholders play by the rules and respect the democratic process.
Nigeria cannot afford another security crisis fueled by desperate politicians and compromised state institutions. The consequences of inaction would be catastrophic.
President Tinubu must act now to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and transparently. He must put the nation’s interest above party politics and protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.
The nation is watching, and the future of our democracy hangs in the balance.