The upcoming general election may be threatened by the widespread insecurity sweeping Nigeria, according to the British High Commission.
The Commission acknowledged that obstacles to a free, fair, and credible election next year include the deepening economic crisis and security concerns.
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Despite the circumstances, it vowed to hold a successful general election in 2023 since the entire world would be watching Nigeria and because it would be an important turning point for the nation.
At a national stakeholders forum on elections held in Abuja by a coalition of more than 80 human rights organisations under the auspices of Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), with assistance from FCDO and UKAID, Elizabeth Drew, Commission Head, Governance and Stability in the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office of the United Kingdom, made this observation.
As election day draws near, there are legitimate fears, Drew stated. Security issues and difficult economic growth are the backdrop for Nigeria’s 2018 elections.
“These are all factors that can potentially impact on the successful execution of the polls and hinder the meaningful participation of citizens across the country. The UK stands ready to continue to support INEC and all relevant stakeholders in the efforts to effectively execute the polls within this context.
“Nigeria’s democracy really matters; as the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria’s leadership on electoral reform and practice is important for the continent and beyond. Other countries look to Nigeria for democracy issues. The execution of the 2023 polls will be a significant milestone in this respect.
“As a long-standing partner, we believe in Nigeria, and we believe in democracy in Nigeria. We are keen to see a successful general election in Nigeria next year.”
At the event, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared that the commission was mobilising every national institution to track campaign financing and stop the flow of illicit monies.
He said that INEC has reviewed the memorandum of understanding with the National Union of Road Transport Workers and broadened the scope of the partnership to include the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria for the riverine zones.
Turning to campaign money, the commission is resolved to address the issue head-on, according to the INEC leader. Party and candidate spending in excess of what is permitted by law, as well as the evil practise of vote buying at polling places on election day, are areas of violation.
“We are mobilising every national institution with the responsibility for tracking and combating the illicit flow of funds as well as the broadcast and print media regulatory agencies to confront the problem head-on. The details of this will be unveiled shortly.
“On electoral logistics, particularly the arrangements for the movement of personnel and materials to various locations during elections, the commission met again with the service providers and reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding with the road transport unions.
“Arising from our experience in previous elections, the commission has expanded the scope of collaboration to include the marine union for the riverine areas. Very soon, the revised MoU will be signed with the service providers to cover both land and maritime transportation.
“However, there are four broad areas that Nigerians would like to receive assurances of the progress the Commission is making and challenges (if any) being encountered. They are security, campaign finance, technology, the Permanent Voters’ Cards and assurances that their votes will count on election day.
“On security, the commission has said repeatedly that it is an area of concern. The commission has the responsibility to conduct elections. However, securing the environment for the deployment of personnel and materials as well as the peaceful conduct of elections is a shared responsibility involving the security agencies, the political actors and their supporters, the media and all other critical stakeholders.
“The perennial insecurity in the country is a source for concern. This existing challenge is compounded by the unfortunate incidents of attacks on campaigns, rallies and processions across all political parties.”
” Beyond the provisions of the law, the commission held an emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in the wake of the recent attacks on INEC Local Government offices in Ogun and Osun States.
“Far-reaching resolutions were arrived at, including the deployment of joint security teams to our facilities nationwide. Beyond that, the Inspector-General of Police summoned an extraordinary meeting with leaders of political parties on the imperative of peaceful campaigns.
“We will continue to follow up on that bold step in our engagement with political parties and other critical stakeholders.”
