The awareness created on the 2023 general elections in Nigeria is enough to tell Nigerians and the world, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the political leaders in the country that it is no longer business as usual, and that they should give peace a chance for the people’s votes to count, this time around. There is no doubt that INEC is doing its utmost best, to sensitise the electorate on what the commission is doing in ensuring a hitch free election. The commission has also acknowledged that the interest shown by Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming general elections is unprecedented and may have not been witnessed in the electoral history of the country. For the record, this is also the Nigerian presidential elections that appear to be standing on a tripod, whereby the front runners of the political parties are not leaving anything to chance. This is also reinforced by the fact that many Nigerians, home and abroad believe that this election is very key and crucial for the survival of the country, given the myriads of challenges the country is grappling with at the moment. With plans, according to INEC already put in place, in terms of logistics and technology too, rigging of the elections by desperate politicians whose stock in trade is to cheat would be an uphill task.
Even with watertight security as we are meant to understand and assurances given by INEC, there are still attempts, according to speculations by some observers that politicians would try to compromise the system by way of vote buying and vote suppression where an opponent(s) is considered formidable. At present, many eligible voters are still finding it extremely difficult to access their voters’ card at the various PVC issuance Centres and Local Government Areas, across the country. There is clear evidence that huge number of people who registered and are ready to participate in the elections have not collected their PVCs till date. Many who went to collect their PVCs were either chased away by hoodlums after wasting a whole day or more without genuine explanation. To put it succinctly, people are already frustrated unless something is done fast by the electoral umpire to ameliorate the problems, else, many Nigerians would be hindered from voting. It would be uncharitable for anyone to wish Nigeria to continue from the trajectory we find the country today. The remaining days for PVC collection are crucial for both INEC officials, and the Nigerian masses that are desirous to cast their votes and elect leaders of their choice in 2023. Hoarding of PVCs either by commission or omission, especially in this election, does no one any good. In this election, Nigerians should not fall for the antics of the highest bidder. If that be the case, there would be no need for an election.
Those that registered should be given their voters’ card unhindered. As the deadline for collection of voters’ card is fast approaching, and the general elections also at hand, INEC owes it as a duty in line with its promises to ensure that all eligible voters who are yet to collect their PVCs are attended to within the remaining limited time. While we admonish Nigerians not to sell their PVCs to the highest bidder for the sake of their children and generations yet unborn, we call on INEC to match words with action and ensure that no PVC is found in the wrong hands. Nigerians are not ready to entertain scientific rigging since it has become increasingly difficult to rig based on the introduction of technology. No stone should be left unturned knowing what politicians can do! Those who are averse to a better and working society which Nigerians are clamouring for in this election should be stopped and the only way to achieve that is to conduct free, fair and credible elections as Nigerians await the outcome of the polls.
