The Nigerian Bar Association Election Working Group (NBA-EWG) has expressed concerns over the low voter turnout, widespread financial influence, and delays in election material distribution during the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024.
In its comprehensive report, NBA-EWG emphasised the urgent need for electoral reforms to address these persistent issues.
Among key recommendations the group offered following the Edo election include: “Timely deployment of election materials and personnel to prevent delays.
“Stricter monitoring at polling units and transparent processes to curb financial influence. Enhanced voter education and sensitization campaigns to boost public trust and participation.”
The report, signed by NBA-EWG Team Lead, Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, commended the peaceful conduct of voters, election officials, and security personnel.
According to report, the voter turnout in the election was grossly low, citing instances where only less than 10 percent came out to vote.
“In polling Unit 9, Ward 4, Aduwawa LGA, there were 1,100 registered voters, but only 94 accredited voters. In polling Unit 10, Ward 4, out of 1,026 registered voters, only 10 were accredited.
“In polling Unit 71, Ward 2, Oregbeni Ikpoba, 850 registered voters were recorded, with 94 accredited voters.
In polling Unit 70, there were 813 registered voters and 61 accredited voters.
“In polling Unit 50, 802 registered voters were recorded, with 88 accredited. In polling Unit 40, Ward 3, Eresonye Ogbeson LGA, there were 349 registered voters, but only 78 were accredited. In Ward 1 (Oselu Primary School), Egor Local Government, polling Unit 3 recorded 737 registered voters, with only 76 accredited to vote,” the report noted.
NBA group regretted that despite the election was generally peacefully, it cited an incident at Aunty Maria Nursery & Primary School, Oliha, Ward 2, which hosts five polling units within the school compound under Egor Local Government Council where gunshots were fired.
“The incident occurred when an All Progressives Congress (APC) politician instructed security personnel to assault a voter who had questioned his suspicious actions at the polling unit,” describing it as unfortunate to see such impunity without accountability.
By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can strengthen its electoral system and ensure credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections, the group expressed.
