Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa guber poll in jeopardy as Nigerians doubt INEC's neutrality

As the date for the off-cycle gubernatorial election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa draws closer, many Nigerians are increasingly doubtful that the electoral empire can keep it words and conduct a free and fair poll on November 11.

Observers have predicted voter apathy during the gubernatorial elections in three states, largely due to voters’ lack of confidence in electoral system and perception that their votes may not count at the end of the day.

There are those who fear, that the process may be heavily marred by violence, especially in a state like Kogi with history of violent polls, and where clashes and attacks among rival supporters of leading political parties have been on the rise in recent few weeks.

In recent weeks, political parties and other stakeholders have increased voter mobilisation in these states with some saying that the masses are eager and ready to choose their leaders this time but the challenge is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) readiness alongside other state-actors for a free and fair ballot.

Many stakeholders have challenged the INEC to redeem its image and ensure transparency, accurate and timely transmission of election results in the three state.

These fears come despite assurances by the Commission that it was prepared to conduct hitch-free exercise this time around where the votes of the people would count.

However, many Nigerians say the commitment is not different from all the ones made during the previous elections that were marred by irregularities, intimidation and bias.

Nigerians have increasingly lost hope with INEC’s ability to conduct an election where the wish of the people would prevail, considering the manner the 2023 poll was handled by the commission.

In the run up to the poll, the commission promised Nigerians that the introduction of the electronic transmission of results, would give credibility and transparency to the process.

It was expected that citizens can follow polling unit-level results on the INEC Result Viewing iReV portal and real-time on election day.

This disclosure elicited joy and optimism among a large spectrum of Nigerians, especially first time voters who had lost hope in the nation’s electoral process due to years of flawed polls.

However, on election day across Nigeria, the reverse was the case. It was only the Senatorial and House of Representatives election results that were uploaded to INEC IRev.

Observers say the large volume of the 2023 election upturned by tribunals across Nigeria in recent weeks, is a clear indication of how poorly the 2023 poll was conducted by the commission and the November 11 polls in the three states may not be different.

“I would hardly believe anything INEC says; it is becoming a model in the Nigerian political terrain that words and pledges do not matter. They promised more than this during the general election and failed without any consequence.

“I mean there is nothing to give hope to suggest this November 11 poll would be different, it is discouraging when you come out to vote and they do not count at the end of the day, something must be done. Unfortunately, some people in the commission are colluding with politicians to sabotage the process,” Timi Olutade, a public affair analyst, said.

Some Nigerians have also raised concerns about the late arrival of election materials and other logistics which have become synonymous with elections in Nigeria, often delaying and ultimately preventing eligible voters from casting their votes.

Stakeholders have urged INEC to put their house in order in the November 11 off-season gubernatorial poll, advising that every registered voter must be given an opportunity to exercise their franchise considering that to deprive registered voter opportunity to vote is a weighty oversight in any democracy. They say election irregularity comes in diverse ways, and not necessarily by fake figures.

Meanwhile, political parties are in final rounds of campaigns to sell themselves and their policies to the electorate ahead of the poll.

According to INEC, only 5.4 million Nigerians are on the voting register in the three states for the gubernatorial polls.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said recently that 16 political parties are sponsoring candidates in Bayelsa State, 17 in Imo State and all the 18 parties in Kogi State.

He said soft copies of the complete register of voters for each State will be presented to the political parties participating in the elections.