2023 Elections: Curbing Attack on INEC Facilities

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently confirmed the latest attack on its office located at Oru West local government area (LGA) of Imo State, southeast Nigeria.

Unknown armed persons attacked the commission’s office in the state, making it the seventh attack on its facilities within the last four months.

This attack occurred three days after another INEC office was attacked in Orlu LGA of the state.

History of attacks

In May 2021, two of INEC’s offices located at Ezza North and Izzi LGAs of Ebonyi State, another state in Nigeria’s southeast, were set ablaze.

Also in May 2021, the commission’s office located in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA in Imo State was attacked, with a section of the building damaged.

In September 2021, the commission’s office in Awgu LGA of Enugu State was set ablaze. And in July 2022, an INEC office in Igbo-Eze North LGA, also in Enugu State, was burnt down by arsonists.

Cause for concern

These attacks on the commission’s facilities are happening at a time the country is preparing for major elections.

Although the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, has assured that the recent attacks will not stop the commission from conducting a successful 2023 elections, there is cause for worry.

If these attacks continue, millions of citizens waiting to collect their PVCs will be disenfranchised.

Also, the huge financial implication of replacing lost or damaged items cannot be overlooked, looking at the prevailing economic situation of Nigeria.

Protect INEC offices 

In November, the House of Representatives agreed on a resolution to investigate attacks on INEC’s offices and facilities across the country.

It is advisable that these investigations are carried out promptly to stop perpetrators from hampering the success of the upcoming elections.

The commission needs to do all it takes to ensure it conducts free and credible elections in 2023 by working closely with security operatives to protect its offices nationwide.

Photo source: Human Angle

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