As Nigeria gears up for its 2023 general election, insecurity remains a key concern for citizens and election observers.
Yiaga Africa, in its recent report titled Tensions, Ungoverned Spaces and Limited Access for Election, reported that some local government areas that have been deserted or are insecure will be difficult to access during the polls.
The organisation noted the areas to include Shiroro in Niger State, Bali, Wukari and Gashaka in Taraba State, Ihiala in Anamnra State, Ohaukwu in Ebonyi State, and Ehime/Mbano, Okigwe, Oru West, Oru East and Orlu in Imo State.
Others are Maru, Maradun and Kaura Namoda Zamfara State.
On its part, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), in a report titled Nigeria’s Presidential Polls: A SWOT Analysis, noted that the elections would be the most challenging to conduct in Nigeria.
It sighted insecurity as one of the likely challenges.
According to the CDD Director, Idayat Hassan, there are worries about securing the 176,846 polling units during the general election, as it would require more than one million poll and security officials.
‘Insecurity remains a critical issue, particularly in the north-west and south-east. Further challenging this operation are the prevailing structural, infrastructural, and cultural ecosystems in which the polls will take place’, the report said.
Another cause for concern is the consistent attacks on the facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Nigeria’s House of Representatives, in November 2022, agreed on a resolution to investigate attacks on INEC’s offices and facilities across the country.
However, it appears the investigation has yet to yield any possible result as the attacks have continued in the same fashion, with the recent one in Ojoto community in Idemili area of Anambra State.
As Yiaga Africa stated in their report, economic grievances could exacerbate tensions and serve as catalysts for electoral violence. The federal government must therefore ensure that there is a smooth supply of fuel across the country.
Also, the Nigerian police should increase the publicity of hotlines through which citizens can promptly report security threats or incidents.
Photo source: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
