As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) kicked off its 10-day continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State today, the air is thick with tension and accusations from various political stakeholders. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the cancellation of the exercise, alleging a plot by the state government and INEC to manipulate the process in favor of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC’s allegations are serious and should not be taken lightly. The party claims to have “credible intelligence” indicating that certain INEC officials have been compromised and are colluding with the outgoing state government to skew the voter registration process. Specifically, the APC has raised concerns over the decision to deploy state civil servants, including teachers and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as ad-hoc staff for the CVR exercise, alleging that these personnel have been compromised to favor the PDP.
Such allegations strike at the heart of the electoral process and, if proven true, could undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo State. Voter registration is a critical component of any democratic election, and any perceived manipulation or lack of transparency can have far-reaching consequences on the acceptability of the eventual outcome.
While the state government and INEC have denied the allegations, their responses have been less than reassuring. The government’s claim of merely encouraging citizen participation in the registration process fails to address the specific concerns raised by the APC. Similarly, INEC’s statement that it does not understand the allegations and that the APC did not raise these concerns earlier is a weak defense that does little to inspire confidence.
The situation in Edo State highlights the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system. Electoral malpractices, including voter suppression, intimidation, and outright rigging, have been a recurring theme in Nigerian elections, often fueling post-election violence and instability. The bickering between political parties and electoral authorities only serves to exacerbate these concerns and erode public trust in the democratic process.
It is incumbent upon INEC to take proactive measures to address the allegations raised by the APC and other stakeholders. The commission should engage in transparent and inclusive consultations, involving all political parties, civil society organizations, and international observers, to establish clear guidelines and safeguards for the voter registration exercise. Failure to do so could escalate tensions and create an environment ripe for electoral disputes and potential violence.
Furthermore, the deployment of state civil servants as ad-hoc staff for the CVR exercise should be approached with caution. While it is common practice in Nigeria, the perception of bias and potential compromise should not be ignored. INEC should consider alternative measures, such as recruiting and training independent personnel, to ensure impartiality and public confidence in the process.
The events in Edo State serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive electoral reforms in Nigeria. Strengthening the independence and capacity of INEC, enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms, and fostering a culture of political tolerance and respect for the rule of law are crucial steps towards ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
As the nation gears up for the 2024 general elections, the situation in Edo should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process. A credible and transparent voter registration exercise is the foundation upon which free, fair, and credible elections are built. Failure to address the concerns raised by the APC and other stakeholders could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, potentially plunging the nation into yet another cycle of electoral violence and instability.
Reference
Edo guber: APC, govt, INEC bicker as voters’ registration begins today published in Vanguard.