CSO wants INEC to end supplementary elections in Nigeria


The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put an end to supplementary elections since it has created space for what they described as ‘a manipulation tool to circumvent the electoral process.

The Convener Clement Nwankwo , Alternate Chair Y.Z Yau and Altrrnatr Chair Esther Uzoma who jointly spoke to Newsmen on Sunday said the Safety of election day workers, INEC Staff and ad-hoc staff, returning officers and observers was not guaranteed.

The Situation Room also stated that the chaos associated with rerun polls posed great danger for future elections in Nigeria.

They said the political parties and their supporters have continue to undermine the confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process as well as the rights of citizens to participate fully in elections and cast their votes without fear.

According to them, the widespread incidents of violence, thuggery and abuse of the electoral process especially as reported in Gama ward of Kano State must be addressed. 

They said in the lead up to the supplementary elections, information around where State constituency elections here was not widely circulated until a few days to Saturday March 23, 2019.

“Situation Room acknowledges the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ensuring the timely deployment of materials, officials and the commencement of polls, for the most part. 

“The elections started on time at about 8:30am in most places. Early poll openings were specifically observed in PU 003, Yalwa Ward, Dala Local Government; PU 009, Dan Hassan Ward of Kura Local Government of Kano State; across several local governments in Plateau State such as Rafan Ward of Barikin Ladi Local Government.

“Also, Mangu Halle Ward of Mangu Local Government, Bokkos Ward of Bokkos Local Government as well as Gilbadi Ward of Gada Local Government of Sokoto State and Modern Market Ward, Makurdi Local Government, Benue State.

“Situation Room continues to reiterate that elections can be conducted devoid of violence. Reports received from our observers and partner organisations indicate that the supplementary elections were peaceful in some of the states observed,” they said. 

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