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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A few days to 2023 general elections, the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has appealed to voters to conduct themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner to avoid actions that could trigger suspicion and possible unrest.
Co-chairmen of IDFP Rev Dr Amos Kiri and Dr Yusuf Yakubu Arrigasiyyu, respectively, at a joint press conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, asked Nigerians to ensure a successful election and transition to a new democratic government.
Dr Arrigasiyyu who read the press statement noted that it’s in the interest of a united, progressive and developed nation for Nigeria to have a smooth transition of political power, with a reminder to Nigerians to document and report any threat to the elections to the relevant security and election officials.
He, however, challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to the occasion and take necessary measures that would guarantee a credible process. “Past elections have witnessed incidences of poor delivery of election logistics. This time, the issue may be compounded by the issue of fuel scarcity.
“Incidences like the burning or stealing of some of the commission’s materials, fake names on the electoral register and underage registrations in some parts of the country raise questions about possible connivance. There have also been concerns raised on the efficacy of the BVAS to deliver a credible election due to previous lessons from elections held using the machine with a clear example of the Osun state.
“However, the credibility of the 2023 general election will depend largely on the degree to which citizens can vote freely, and securely and that their vote counts. Beyond the tensions that may flare before or during the polls, a further threat could arise from disputes over the results as was the case in 2011 which led to several deaths.
“Concerns already swirl around the elections’ integrity, with some doubting the credibility of the voters’ register and others alleging plots by parties or candidates to buy massive numbers of votes.”
The IDFP leaders, thus suggested that security forces step up operations against armed groups and protect electoral commission offices nationwide as well as the polling units and collation centres, insisting that insecurity should not be used as a tool to serve political interests such as voter suppression in some parts of the country.
