Nigeria Votes Today
By Richard Imhoagene
March 28, 2015
After several months of heightened political tension, resulting from inter-party strife, mudslinging, propaganda, and the prolonged uncertainty and avoidable inadequacies that bedeviled the voter registration exercise, coupled with the arguments concerning the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerians go out in their numbers today to decide who will rule them in the next four years.
While we await what may change the course of our future forever, it is expedient to review the journey so far, while we assess the activities, strategies, and partisan schemes that characterised the preelection period. The elections previously scheduled for February 14 and 28 were deferred by the electoral commission for reasons the commission had suggested were beyond its control. Before now, many Nigerians had also thought the new dates were not feasible, giving the several issues that arose at the time.
According to Abimbola Adelakun of The Punch Newspaper, "the 2015 presidential election must be one of the most analysed – by pundits and partisans alike – in the history of contemporary Nigeria. It is no surprise though; this is about the most keenly contested in the country’s history with the opposition recognised as viable contenders. The leading parties, it must be said, are barely ideologically distinguishable yet the stakes are unbelievably high and the promised rewards to a long-suffering nation sounding increasingly incredible."
The thought is electrifying. The reality is even more overwhelming. In a matter of hours, Nigerians would have elected (or reelected) a President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whilst there are those who hold firmly to ethnic and religious affinities as the criteria for choosing one Candidate over another, there are of course others who place issues on the table, analyse them, and make electoral choices based on merit and not sentiments.
The period leading to this moment, especially since the candidates began to declare their political intentions over six months ago, was clouded by apprehension. Apart from the hate campaigns, the rallies and public meetings before and after the primaries, and verbal confrontations between candidates and party spokesmen, there were particular issues that sought to undermine the possibility of conducting an election in Nigeria in such a time.
The insurgency in the Northeast remained the greatest threat to a peaceful election in Nigeria. The Boko Haram militants had not only declared that elections were anti-Islamic and an evil product of western education, their ruthless and murderous activities, and repeated threats to attack polling units caused panic in several quarters. The situation was such that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) requested a postponement of the elections to efficiently tackle the insurgency in the region.
Consequently, to the amazement of all, the commission announced that elections had been rescheduled for March 28 and April 11, 2015. While some Nigerians supported the decision, stating that it would afford the military more time to tackle insecurity in the North-East and make the region safe for elections and also allow INEC more time to tighten all loose ends, others criticised the action, describing it as a political plot by the ruling party to scuttle the credibility of the elections and a further proof of the influence of government on the decisions of the electoral body.
Next was the issue of Permanent Voter Card (PVC). When INEC disclosed the plan to introduce the PVC, Nigerians welcomed the idea with great optimism, largely because it would bring an end to the periodic application for, and collection of the temporary voter card which required a registration exercise every time there was a reason to vote. This new innovation would mean a one-time registration for citizens of votable age as they will now possess the card that will confer eligibility on them in subsequent elections.
However, the lapses and inadequacies observed in the process of exchanging the TVC for PVC on the part of the commission, coupled with the discouraging attitude of some Nigerians who refused to visit their units to collect their PVCs, discredited the process in the eyes of many. In fact, it was shocking to realise that INEC distributed over 15% of the total number of PVCs issued during the deferment period, even though it had continually maintained that it was 100% ready to conduct elections.
A look at the contenders for this year's presidential election reveals a repeated trend in Nigeria's short democratic political history, where the average Nigerian can only readily identify two out of the more than 10 candidates vying for the exalted position. Many political analysts attribute this to the weakness and limited influence of "smaller political parties who merely participate to fill the numbers." This situation has almost turned Nigeria into a Two-Party System, where there is a clear-cut rivalry between two parties; the ruling party and the major opposition party.
This time around, although there are 14 political parties and candidates vying for the office of President, only the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the major opposition, the All Progressives Congress seem to be raising the dust. Every time you turn on the television, it is either one PDP rally in the South-East or one APC rally in the South-South. All you see and hear about are Goodluck/Sambo and Buhari/Osinbajo. Without exaggerating, more than 80% of Nigerians are unaware that there are other political parties contesting for President. A little more than that figure do not know the candidates representing such political parties in the polls.
For the sake of clarity, a mention of the political parties and candidates for this year's presidential election would suffice. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, submitted the names of President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo, while the main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, submitted the names of Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo as presidential and vice presidential candidates.
Others are Oluremi Sonaiya and Saidu Bobboi for Kowa Party, Ambrose Albert and Haruna Shaba for Hope Democratic Party, Ganiyu Galadima and Balarabe Ahmed of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Rafiu Salau and Clinton Cliff Akuchie for Alliance for Democracy, AD and Godson Okoye and Haruna Adamu, for United Democratic Party, UDP, Alagoa Kelvin Chinedu and Arabamhen Mary, PPN, Ayeni Musa Adebayo and Anthony Faith Ologbosere, APA, Sam Eke and Hassana Hassan, CPP.
Also on the list released by INEC are Nani Ibrahim Ahmad and Obianuju Murphy-Uzohue of African Democratic Congress, Martin Onovo and Ibrahim Mohammed of National Conscience Party, NCP, Tunde Anifowoshe-Kelani and Paul Ishaka Ofomile of Action Alliance and Chekwas Okorie and Bello Umar of United Progressive Party.
The Labour Party, LP, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, have already adopted the PDP candidate, Goodluck Jonathan as their candidate as well.
Of all the 14 candidates, only Jonathan and Buhari were candidates in the last election in 2011. But unlike 2011, the tides have changed tremendously. The race seem to be closer and tighter than ever before. The APC has succeeded in putting up a formidable synergy for an opposition party, giving the PDP a run for their money. The choice of a christian pastor as running mate has further added impetus to APC's contest, against a President who has lost a great percentage of the popularity he enjoyed in 2011.
One thing that is evident in this year's election is that rather than deal with issues, political parties embarked on hate campaigns and mudslinging to attack the credibility of their oppositions and smear the image of rival political parties. This is a major concern for the future of Nigeria. Analysts are of the opinion that Nigerians have not been sufficiently convinced by any political party on the reason why it should be voted into power, because the parties have failed to sufficiently address issues.
Security concerns have been downplayed by both the police and the military. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Minimah has assured Nigerians of the readiness of the Army to protect lives and properties before, during and after elections. The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba has also reassured Nigerians that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, is committed to the safety of lives and property of Nigerians, and ensuring peaceful and credible elections in the country.
It is now a matter of hours until Nigerians are greeted with the man or woman who would steer the ship of our nationhood to that destination that will put smiles on the faces of the common citizens, and bring renewed hope in our journey towards development. It is, therefore, hoped that Candidates and Party Loyalists respect and uphold the Peace Accord signed a few months ago and ensure peace and credibility during and after the elections.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
INEC May Yet Defer Elections
Why Elections May Not Hold On March 28
By Richard Imhoagene
March 13, 2015.
As the weeks run by and major political contenders continue to play power politics in the days leading to the most important period of Nigeria's socio-political environment in recent times, Nigerians are apprehensive over the fears allayed by stakeholders concerning the alleged unpreparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
There are strong indications that elections which have been postponed from its original dates of February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 may yet again be postponed following recent developments in the polity, events which have the potential to hamper the integrity of Nigeria's elections if not properly addressed.
Just days ago, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the Young Democratic Party (YDP) in its list of duly registered political parties. Uncertainty impliedly looms over possible conduct of the rescheduled elections on March 28 and April, respectively, as INEC is now expected to reproduce ballot papers to bear YDP and its logo.
The question now making the rounds is; will INEC be able to honour this judgement with the rescheduled elections barely three weeks away? Many people seem to disagree, considering the many processes involved in printing all required documents needed for an election, especially in a country like Nigeria.
In a related development, a Pro-democracy group under the aegis of Nigerians United for Democracy (NUD), has raised fears that the March 28 and April 11 dates for the general elections are not sacrosanct. This is one group that sees the need to incorporate every legitimate party in the electoral process if the process is to be deemed credible.
The group, the Nigerians United for Democracy also wondered why some political parties had launched negative campaigns against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. It stated through its spokesman that it is unlawful to make derogatory comments against a lawfully recognised body like INEC.
Briefing newsmen on behalf of the group in Port Harcourt, Rights activist, Anyakwee Nsirimovu expressed concern about plans by powerful politicians to scuttle the general election.
In a rather uncertain development, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Attahiru Jega, has told Nigerian federal lawmakers he could not guarantee the 2015 general elections will hold on rescheduled dates in March and April. Mr. Jega made this known to Senators recently stating that he could not commit himself to the “sanctity” of March 28 and April 11 dates for the rescheduled Nigeria’s general elections.
Speaking further, he said the electoral commission could not guarantee aspects of the poll that are beyond its control. These aspects, pundits suggest range from violence to malpractices, and so on. Mr. Jega met with the lawmakers to review the decision to postpone the polls from February.
Under the Nigerian law, a further six-week extension of the elections is possible, a prospect opposed by many Nigerians, the main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, and the international community.
INEC had said the postponement were necessary for security reasons, as military chiefs had warned against going on with the vote to allow it focus on fighting the terror group, Boko Haram. But the APC said the delay was instigated by President Goodluck Jonathan, to save him and the ruling party from losing the elections to the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
Since announcing the new dates nearly two weeks ago, the commission has declined to clearly confirm that there will be no further delay beyond March 28 and April 11, for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls.
Responding to a question by George Akume, Senate Minority Leader, on the sanctity of the new dates, on Wednesday, Mr. Jega said it was difficult for him to respond, saying he could only give assurances over aspects within the control of INEC.
“That’s a very difficult question to answer. I have said not everything that has to do with the conduct of successful election is within the control of INEC,” Mr. Jega said.
Mr. Jega also said the commission will go forward with its plan to deploy card readers for the elections.
Let us not forget that there have been some concerns, mainly from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, about the plan as Nigerian law prohibits electronic voting. On Wednesday, while PDP Senators opposed the plan, their APC counterparts welcomed it.
Heineken Lokpobri, a PDP Senator from Bayelsa State and Odion Ugbesa, from Edo State, argued against the use of card readers for the elections, saying it would be illegal. In his response, Mr. Jega said card readers would only be used for accreditation not actual voting, stating that there was no law forbidding the use of electronic devices for accreditation.
Agitations to shift the general elections heightened on Thursday, as one of the political parties, Young Democratic Party (YDP) said that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should either accommodate the party in the forthcoming general elections or reschedule them.
Reacting to the Federal High Court's order of INEC to issue a certificate and include YDP in the general elections, the INEC Director of Voter Education, Osaze Uzzi, and the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, declined to comment, stating that apart from what they read from the newspapers, the processes of the court documents are yet to be served to commission.
A national commissioner of INEC who does not want to be quoted said, "We are yet to be served, but mind you, INEC has the right of appeal. We wait until the court processes are served on the commission. Also note that the commission has reached an advanced stage of the preparations for election. The worst case scenario is that the commission will seek for a stay of execution and subsequently appeal the order of the Federal High Court."
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday shortly after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barr. Ugo Nwofor described the judgment as victory for democracy, rule of law and triumph over impunity.
According to Nwofor, they were ready for 2015 elections, but gave INEC two options, which include the re-printing of its ballot papers to include YDP, so as to accommodate its candidates. The second option, Barr. Nwofor, said if INEC does not have the appropriate logistics for reprinting of its ballot papers then INEC ought to within the constitutional provision further re-schedule the general elections so as to accommodate our party.”
As we continue to watch in perplexity, there is the wish that Nigerians can finally heave a sigh of relief when and how INEC and the government become certain as to elections holding as scheduled so that the nation can focus on its so many challenges.
By Richard Imhoagene
March 13, 2015.
As the weeks run by and major political contenders continue to play power politics in the days leading to the most important period of Nigeria's socio-political environment in recent times, Nigerians are apprehensive over the fears allayed by stakeholders concerning the alleged unpreparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
There are strong indications that elections which have been postponed from its original dates of February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 may yet again be postponed following recent developments in the polity, events which have the potential to hamper the integrity of Nigeria's elections if not properly addressed.
Just days ago, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the Young Democratic Party (YDP) in its list of duly registered political parties. Uncertainty impliedly looms over possible conduct of the rescheduled elections on March 28 and April, respectively, as INEC is now expected to reproduce ballot papers to bear YDP and its logo.
The question now making the rounds is; will INEC be able to honour this judgement with the rescheduled elections barely three weeks away? Many people seem to disagree, considering the many processes involved in printing all required documents needed for an election, especially in a country like Nigeria.
In a related development, a Pro-democracy group under the aegis of Nigerians United for Democracy (NUD), has raised fears that the March 28 and April 11 dates for the general elections are not sacrosanct. This is one group that sees the need to incorporate every legitimate party in the electoral process if the process is to be deemed credible.
The group, the Nigerians United for Democracy also wondered why some political parties had launched negative campaigns against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. It stated through its spokesman that it is unlawful to make derogatory comments against a lawfully recognised body like INEC.
Briefing newsmen on behalf of the group in Port Harcourt, Rights activist, Anyakwee Nsirimovu expressed concern about plans by powerful politicians to scuttle the general election.
In a rather uncertain development, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Attahiru Jega, has told Nigerian federal lawmakers he could not guarantee the 2015 general elections will hold on rescheduled dates in March and April. Mr. Jega made this known to Senators recently stating that he could not commit himself to the “sanctity” of March 28 and April 11 dates for the rescheduled Nigeria’s general elections.
Speaking further, he said the electoral commission could not guarantee aspects of the poll that are beyond its control. These aspects, pundits suggest range from violence to malpractices, and so on. Mr. Jega met with the lawmakers to review the decision to postpone the polls from February.
Under the Nigerian law, a further six-week extension of the elections is possible, a prospect opposed by many Nigerians, the main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, and the international community.
INEC had said the postponement were necessary for security reasons, as military chiefs had warned against going on with the vote to allow it focus on fighting the terror group, Boko Haram. But the APC said the delay was instigated by President Goodluck Jonathan, to save him and the ruling party from losing the elections to the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
Since announcing the new dates nearly two weeks ago, the commission has declined to clearly confirm that there will be no further delay beyond March 28 and April 11, for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls.
Responding to a question by George Akume, Senate Minority Leader, on the sanctity of the new dates, on Wednesday, Mr. Jega said it was difficult for him to respond, saying he could only give assurances over aspects within the control of INEC.
“That’s a very difficult question to answer. I have said not everything that has to do with the conduct of successful election is within the control of INEC,” Mr. Jega said.
Mr. Jega also said the commission will go forward with its plan to deploy card readers for the elections.
Let us not forget that there have been some concerns, mainly from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, about the plan as Nigerian law prohibits electronic voting. On Wednesday, while PDP Senators opposed the plan, their APC counterparts welcomed it.
Heineken Lokpobri, a PDP Senator from Bayelsa State and Odion Ugbesa, from Edo State, argued against the use of card readers for the elections, saying it would be illegal. In his response, Mr. Jega said card readers would only be used for accreditation not actual voting, stating that there was no law forbidding the use of electronic devices for accreditation.
Agitations to shift the general elections heightened on Thursday, as one of the political parties, Young Democratic Party (YDP) said that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should either accommodate the party in the forthcoming general elections or reschedule them.
Reacting to the Federal High Court's order of INEC to issue a certificate and include YDP in the general elections, the INEC Director of Voter Education, Osaze Uzzi, and the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, declined to comment, stating that apart from what they read from the newspapers, the processes of the court documents are yet to be served to commission.
A national commissioner of INEC who does not want to be quoted said, "We are yet to be served, but mind you, INEC has the right of appeal. We wait until the court processes are served on the commission. Also note that the commission has reached an advanced stage of the preparations for election. The worst case scenario is that the commission will seek for a stay of execution and subsequently appeal the order of the Federal High Court."
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday shortly after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barr. Ugo Nwofor described the judgment as victory for democracy, rule of law and triumph over impunity.
According to Nwofor, they were ready for 2015 elections, but gave INEC two options, which include the re-printing of its ballot papers to include YDP, so as to accommodate its candidates. The second option, Barr. Nwofor, said if INEC does not have the appropriate logistics for reprinting of its ballot papers then INEC ought to within the constitutional provision further re-schedule the general elections so as to accommodate our party.”
As we continue to watch in perplexity, there is the wish that Nigerians can finally heave a sigh of relief when and how INEC and the government become certain as to elections holding as scheduled so that the nation can focus on its so many challenges.
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