EU Election Mission Carpets Guber Election Over Violence, Votes-Buying

The European Union, EU election mission, has carpeted last Saturday’s governorship election, saying it was characterized by votes-buying and violence

EU Chief Election Observation Mission (EOM) Officer Mr Barry Andrew, who made the submission, mentioned specifically that there was obstruction and organised violence, and these limited voter turnout.

He said as a result, voters were not able to freely exercise their franchise in spite efforts by civil society.

As against Nigerians appetite for democracy, he observed, their expectations were not however met in many parts of the country.

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On the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) he said although it had accommodated some observations before the election, including early commencement of elections, that INEC was lacking in transparency.

Speaking specifically, he said: “Lagos, Kano, and other states in the southern and central part were most affected. Unfortunately, there were many casualties and fatalities.

“Votes-buying, also directly observed by EU EOM observers, further detracted from an appropriate conduct of the elections.

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“Also campaigns in state elections were competitive. Fundamental freedoms of assembly and movement were largely respected, however, insecurity impeded the canvas of votes In certain parts of the country of the country.

“Organised violent attacks shortly before the elections in several states led to a fearful atmosphere. Some states governors took executive actions, negatively affecting the campaign environment.

“EU EOM observers also saw misuse of administrative resources, including through various financial and in-kind inducements to voters, giving an undue advantage to the party in power,” he said.