Northern Nigerian Breaking News

2023 Elections: CSOs demand punishment of electoral offenders

Northern States Civil Society Networks has said electoral offenders of any kind must be punished under the laws of the country to discourage others from perpetrating electoral offences again in Nigeria.

The coalition of Civil Society Organisations also said those found in the act of intimidating and suppressing voters at polling units must be made to face the full wrath of the law no matter how highly placed they are.

The executive director, citizens for development and education, head of secretariat, Kano peace Committee, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made this known at a news conference held on Monday in Kano state, while reeling out the observation in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections conducted across the country on February 25th.

The coalition said the elections conducted fell short of the standard of all election’s practices and ethics.

‘’That, INEC has raised so much credibility question on its name and created doubt on the minds of Nigerians regarding INEC preparedness to conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in Nigeria,’’ Waiya said.

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The CSOs said that the timely distribution of electoral materials especially to LGAs offices were really commendable, with the quick responses to BVAS issues on the election day were also impressive.

It noted that the Election was on a general assessment peaceful

According to the CSOs: ’The Nigerian security agencies like EFCC, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force had performed wonderfully well in ensuring peaceful polls during presidential and national Assembly elections, and that they would continue with the work in the next elections.

‘’Compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2022 must be observed to ensure electoral credibility in Nigeria.’’

‘’The impunity of the state governors during elections must be addressed to checkmate their overbearing interference in elections.’’

‘’That it is imperative for INEC to review all evidence of electoral malpractices presented before the commission in the interest of peace and security as political party and party processes must be reformed to tackle issues of money bags and Godfatherism in Nigeria’s politics. Where the political parties fail to get it right, it is absolutely impossible for Nigeria to get its general election right.’’

‘’EFCC should continue with their good work to reduce the commercialization of the electoral process through vote buying and selling.’’

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