Yiaga Africa raises concerns and calls for action following Imo and Kogi governorship elections

Yiaga Africa has raised several concerns and made recommendations following the governorship elections in Imo and Kogi States held on November 11. 

This was contained in a comprehensive report released today at a press briefing addressed by Dr Hussain Abdu, the chairperson of the Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Working Group.

Yiaga Africa emphasized the need for fundamental reforms in election administration to inspire public confidence and enhance the legitimacy of election processes and outcomes. 

The election observation organization deployed the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology, utilizing 600 stationary observers and 50 roving observers to assess the process.

Below is the breakdown of the report

Concerns and Findings:

1. Election Day Process in Imo and Kogi States:

• • Deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was observed across all polling units, with some malfunctions reported but generally fixed promptly.
  • Secrecy of the ballot was compromised in some units, and voters crowded officials during counting.
  • Reports indicated unprofessional and partisan conduct by INEC polling officials in both states.
  • Incidents of voters being permitted to vote without BVAS accreditation were noted.
  • The presence and conduct of security personnel were generally satisfactory.
  • Reports highlighted intimidation, harassment, and attempts by party agents to influence polling officials during counting.

1. Critical Incidents:

• • The report verified 101 critical incidents, including disruptions in the voting process, suspension of elections in some units, and incidents of violence.
  • Notable incidents included ballot box snatching, BVAS bypass, and disruptions leading to the counting of results in different locations.

1. Imo State Result Verification:

• • Due to missing data and critical incidents recorded in Imo State, Yiaga Africa is unable to verify the credibility of the process and the outcome of the election.
  • The organization urgently calls on INEC to review and conduct a comprehensive audit of the Imo governorship election results.

1. Kogi State Result Verification:

• • Yiaga Africa’s statistical analysis shows consistency between INEC’s official results and its WTV PRVT estimates for select political parties.
  • The report provides a detailed comparison of official results and WTV estimates for political parties.

Recommendations:

1. INEC Investigation:

• • Thoroughly investigate allegations of malpractices and misapplication of election laws and guidelines.
  • Remediate all flaws and prosecute staff complicit in malpractices.

1. Comprehensive Audit in Imo:

• • Conduct a comprehensive audit of the Imo governorship election results and make findings public.

1. Voter Enfranchisement:

• • Review INEC’s policy to ensure all eligible voters have an equal opportunity to vote, even in cases of election suspension or cancellation.

1. Accelerate Electoral Reforms:

• • The National Assembly should expedite electoral reform processes, including the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission.

The report concluded by thanking voters, election observers, the National Youth Service Corp members serving as ad hoc polling officials, and development partners for their dedication and commitment to ensuring credible elections in Nigeria.