The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu has maintained that no amount of intimidation or attacks on INEC facilities would deter the commission from going on with the conduct of 2023 general elections as planned. Repeatedly, in most states of the federation, INEC facilities have been vandalised or destroyed, with the most recent ones happening in Ogun, Osun and Imo States, by yet to be identified persons or groups. Surprisingly, no arrests have been made. All we have been told is that law enforcement agents are on the trail of the perpetrators and that they will be brought to book as soon as they are apprehended. The spate of attacks on INEC facilities in all intent is a sign and cause for worry, especially now that the chances of rigging the elections are slim based on the introduction of modern technology that will make voter accreditation and result management more credible and transparent. Not too long ago, the INEC helmsman, assured the United Nations that the Commission would not disappoint Nigerians and the international Community in the conduct of next year’s elections. Ideally, this can only be achieved if the activities of professional politicians who do everything possible to sabotage the process are put on check. Nigerians have seen how most of the candidates emerged as standard bearers of the respective political parties.
Those who see politics as trade by barter and not as service to the country and people, surely would be disappointed in attempt to recoup their investments at the end. The fact that the National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno advised politicians to caution their thugs also means that there are clandestine moves by some disgruntled politicians to derail the political process. The electoral process in Nigeria has always been threatened because the people over the years have ignored the excesses of politicians who now assume it as their birthright to toy with the society and its people whenever they want to do so. That, they have also had their way despite the hue and cry from the people all these years does not mean that they are ignorant of things happening around them. The mentality of the people has changed with the ongoing sensitisation and mass education ahead of next year’s general elections. The belief hitherto that our vote will not count is not adding up this time. People are ready to vote, even wait and see that the ballot papers are counted and results announced. The Edo, Anambra and Osun States’ elections where it was generally believed that things went well may have given impetus to the rush for Permanent Voters Card (PVC), and may be a pointer of what is to come in 2023. The burning of INEC facilities may be a ploy by those who are dissatisfied with the changes INEC is introducing to put fear in the minds of the electorates, so that, they would stay away on election days. However, we encourage the voters to be resolute this time and not to be deterred by the usual gimmicks of the politicians. President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly urged Nigerians to vote candidates of their choice, having signed the Electoral Act into law this year.
The 2023 general elections would be a watershed in the political history of the country. The ongoing Town Hall meetings and debates locally and internationally are necessary developments to help the voters to make informed decisions on what party and candidates they would cast their votes for. The Nigerian people are hereby advised to remain vigilant and ensure that they are not swayed by threats of any kind that would prevent them from performing their civic duties. Those who do not have their PVCs are also encouraged to do so. There is need for everyone to participate in the forthcoming elections. Politicians are having their ways because the people are apathetic towards the electioneering process. The citizens should wake up! Cautioning politicians to tame their thugs is not enough. Security operatives should ensure that violators of the process are apprehended and made to face the law. Enough is enough!
