The February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria were marred by anomalies, according to the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to Nigeria.
After carefully examining the data from the observers on the ground, the ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission in Nigeria noted, in its preliminary report, that voting began later than the scheduled opening time of 08:30 and as a result of the tardy arrival of polling officials and voting materials, and in some cases, the delivery of the incorrect materials at polling stations across the nation.
The ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission, led by former president of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma, noted that: “There were postponements of elections in some polling units in Lagos, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Edo States due to electoral violence or logistical challenges; the lack of sufficient quantities of electoral materials in many polling stations throughout the country; the visible presence of security agents discharging their duties in accordance with the provision.
The majority of poll workers and ad hoc employees, according to the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, showed poor awareness of their responsibilities, particularly with regard to the voting materials.
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The ECOWAS mission revealed that majority of the polling places visited were not properly set up to ensure the confidentiality of the voting process, and other polling places ran out of ink, delaying the start of the next round of voting.
The ECOWAS Election Observation noted that while voter participation was relatively low in the majority of the polling places visited, there were instances where BVAS failed to accredit voters, mostly because of login-related technical difficulties.
The Mission observed that the election day processes were mostly calm, but noted that violent events, murders, and other disruptions were reported in a number of states.
“The Mission deplores the unfortunate incidents that occurred in the lead-up to E-Day, leading to loss of life in some parts of the country. These include the murder of the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East senatorial district, alongside five of his supporters, and three persons who lost their lives in Kano in clashes between supporters of two rival political parties, APC and NNPP.
“On E-Day, an attack perpetrated by Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State resulted in five persons injured.
“Similarly, there were reported attacks by bandits in Alawa, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Violent incidents were likewise recorded in the Mafoluku area of Oshodi in Lagos State, where masked men, armed with Pump Action rifles disrupted voting and burnt ballot papers and boxes.
“There were also reported cases of ballot snatching and BVAS theft in some States, including Delta, Katsina and Anambra. Specifically, an incident was recorded in Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State, where thugs attacked a polling unit and, in the process, fled with two BVAS machines. Similarly, In Safana LGA, Katsina State, thugs attacked a voting centre and snatched six BVAS machines.eft in some States, including Delta, Katsina and Anambra. Specifically, an incident was recorded in Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State, where thugs attacked a polling unit and, in the process, fled with two BVAS machines. Similarly, In Safana LGA, Katsina State, thugs attacked a voting centre and snatched six BVAS machines.
“However, while few BVAS were recovered by the security forces, INEC’s contingency arrangements enabled the continuation of voting as stolen BVAS machines were replaced and security was reinforced in the areas affected.
“The Mission presents its sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
“The Mission notes the increasing misinformation and disinformation on social media, including misleading conjectures and projections regarding the outcome of the 25th February 2023 general elections, liable to cause disaffection and inflame tensions in the polity. It urges the public to disregard the provocations and continue to rely on official pronouncements on the electoral process by INEC and other competent national institutions,” the ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission further said.
