From Paul Orude, Bauchi
A group of accredited Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observers have voiced their concerns over the conduct of the Bauchi State Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections held on March 18.
According to the observers, who were led by the Centre for Child Care and Youth Development, the election was characterized by “vote-buying, over-voting and violence.”
At a press conference held at Yimir Hotel in Bauchi, Rebecca Maimato, who represented the group, said that irregularities and malpractices trailed the election in many local government areas of the state. She added that the election was “below electoral standard practice and the standard of the INEC Electoral Act.”
Maimato pointed out some examples of the irregularities that the observers observed. She said, “From our observation for instance, in Alkaleri ballot papers used were not carrying the official stamp. We also observed that pre-thumb printing of ballot papers occurred before the commencement of voting.”
She added, “There were cases where overvoting and vote-buying were widespread and observed. In Warji local government, a commissioner was alleged to have shot sporadically to scare voters away to enable overvoting and vote buying. This was also recorded and the video can be verified.”
The observers further noted cases of over-voting and violence in Kirfi, particularly in Kafin Iya and Bara wards. They also observed cases of over-voting and vote-buying in Bauchi Local Government, in Birshi Miri wards. Furthermore, a viral video showed a local government Chairman sharing N2000 notes to voters on the cue in Toro ward.
Consequently, the group recommended that INEC should urgently investigate the Bauchi State elections, which were characterised by irregularities, vote-buying, and malpractices. They called on INEC to visit areas where the irregularities and malpractices were recorded during the election and ensure that local governments with election irregularities and malpractices are cancelled.
Maimato added, “This is a major setback to Nigeria’s democracy. Secondly, we recommend that INEC should critically visit the issue of vote buying, results sheets alterations and malpractices in the entire Bauchi State elections for immediate prosecution.”