The Coalition of Observer Groups in Nigeria, has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)on credibility and transparency in the forth coming Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections slated for Aug.16.
A statement jointly signed by Mr Simon Diogu,National Coordinator and Blessing Solomon,Secretary,said the group expressed deep concern over credible reports that threaten the credibility of the process.
Diogu said the Coalition cautioned also against manipulation and militarisation for in the forth coming Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections slated for Aug.16.
He said the caution was necessary because the September 2024 governorship election in Edo State left a lingering crisis of confidence in the electoral system.
He said that this followed allegations of irregularities, including the use of duplicate result sheets and questionable collation practices.
“Those allegations were never conclusively addressed by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), leaving citizens doubtful about the neutrality of the electoral umpire.
“We have received worrying indications that similar tactics may be deployed in the upcoming by-elections, with fears that results could be predetermined through the unlawful preparation of duplicate result sheets before collation begins.
“Equally troubling, are reports that security agencies, particularly , may be deployed in a manner that restricts the lawful access of opposition party agents to collation centres.
“Any such militarisation of the electoral environment would be a direct violation of the Electoral Act and an assault on voters’ right to a transparent process,”he said
Diogu said the Coalition noted that Edo Central Senatorial District is the home constituency of the sitting governor.
” In light of this, we call on the governor to publicly condemn reported threats made by his supporters against opposition parties and their candidates, and to, in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of the state.”
He said the Coalition also urged the Governor to commit to ensuring that the elections were peaceful, violence-free, and conducted in strict adherence to the law.
This, he said was because of the coalition’s believe that democracy is only as strong as the confidence reposed in it by its citizens.
According to INEC has both a legal and moral obligation to ensure that the will of the people is not subverted by acts of manipulation or intimidation.
He said the Coalition called on the commission to take urgent, visible steps to guarantee that collation is open, verifiable, and protected from interference.
Diogu explained that the Aug. 16 by-elections were a test of INEC’s commitment to electoral integrity.
He said that Nigerians and the international community would be watching closely.
“Trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild; and the commission’s actions in the coming days will determine whether public confidence in the electoral process is restored or further eroded he said(NAN)
