It has been a trying period for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Just a few months ago as this months general elections drew nearer, hoodlums and arsonists laid their filthy hands on different facilities of the commission, an action that has continued to threaten the smooth conduct of the elections. They have not only burnt a number of INEC offices across the country, but also destroyed vital materials meant for the forthcoming elections.
There had been several of these incidents in Ebonyi, Osun, Ogun, Anambra, Imo and Enugu. INEC notes that between February 2019 and May 2021, hoodlums had attacked 41 of its offices in 14 states. As of today, over 50 of such attacks have occurred across the country.
Although the motives behind this evil act are not very clear, it is suspected that people who do not wish the country well were behind them. Some politicians have also been fingered to being the masterminds of the dastardly act. Apparently, due to fears that they may lose the election, they instigate attacks to scare people away from exercising their franchise.
There are consequences of this insane act. Burning and looting INEC offices and equipment are present dangers to the smooth conduct of the 2023 election and to the Nation’s democracy generally. Next month’s elections are so pivotal to the commonwealth of the country that it should not be scuttled. Many Nigerians want to vote and everything humanly possible must be done not to disenfranchise them in any way.
It is heartwarming that INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured that despite these acts of sabotage, the commission will bequeath credible polls to Nigerians on February 25 and on March 11. While on an assessment visit to the
burnt INEC office in Abeokuta South Local Government Area in Ogun State, Professor Yakubu said the commission was making efforts to replace whatever materials it had lost to the inferno.
Also, the INEC Chairman had, at different times, assured Nigerians that the commission would be neutral in the 2023 election. He said the umpire had no preferred candidate or political party but would only ensure that all valid votes counted and that the winners were decided solely by voters.
It is believed that INEC will walk its talk and hopefully that before election day, the commission would replace some of the materials that have been destroyed. It should ensure that the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards is carried out smoothly. It should not compromise on its promise to use the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), INEC Voter Enrolment Device (TVED), INEC Result Viewing Portal (IRev) and other electronic devices during the election.
To prevent a recurrence of the recent disturbing arson, INEC should liaise with security agencies to safeguard its offices nationwide. Security agencies must intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute all those involved in the crime. This will serve as a deterrent.
While we condemn this cowardly act, we wish to state that the electoral umpire needs all the support of Nigerians at this critical period. This is because if we fail to get it right this time, the consequences will be dire for the nation.
Written by PROFESSOR ANTHONY EZE