The Independent Foreign Observers Mission in Nigeria has commended the Armed Forces and other critical stakeholders for being neutral in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections.
A report signed by its head of mission, Stuart Young, stated that the neutrality exhibited by these stakeholders proved instrumental to the overall success of the election.
“There were concerns concerning the ruling party’s position towards ensuring a free and credible electoral process. These concerns were genuine given past experiences in the electoral cycle in Nigeria. The process could be classified as credible and transparent from what was observed in places monitored during the elections” Stuart Young said.
The group singled the armed forces and police for praise for standing neutral in ensuring there was no interference in the electoral process.
“We commend the Armed Forces and the Police for the display of professionalism throughout the period despite the avalanche of issues in Lagos, Kano and other places hitherto regarded as hotspots during elections in Nigeria.
“Our team of observers in Lagos and Kano buttressed the neutrality and professionalism of the military and other security agencies deployed during and after the elections.”
“It is our opinion that the professionalism displayed reflects the non-partisanship of the military leadership in Nigeria and the military’s role in preserving democracies in Africa and around the world.”
Similarly, the group commended the efforts of other critical stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
In its report, the group posited that the electoral process was transparent, and those stakeholders displayed a high sense of responsibility during the conduct of the elections.
“We had a strong delegation in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Kano and other states in the country’s South East and South West region.
“The reason was to ensure we garnered first-hand electoral process information. The buildup to the elections witnessed tension that was adequately transparently addressed by stakeholders.”
“There were no recorded cases of interference by the government or agents of government throughout the duration of the elections.
According to the group, voters were not harassed or intimidated, but in a few cases where ballot boxes were either snatched or destroyed by warring factions.
“However, these situations were brought under control” Young said.
On the credibility of the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the report absolved the electoral umpire of any wrongdoing, adding that the commission acted within its mandate but for a few areas that witnessed the late arrival of election materials.
“The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria was keenly contested and goes down in history as one of the most transparent elections in the country’s annals.
“The Independent Foreign Observers Mission rates the election as transparent and reflects the people’s wishes. It is also a drastic improvement from previous elections conducted in the country.”
“The Independent Foreign Observers Mission rates the election as transparent and reflects the people’s wishes. It is also a drastic improvement from previous elections conducted in the country. It commends the security agencies and other stakeholders that saw to the success of the elections.”
