Special Features
A Call For Civic Engagement In Troubled Times; Do Not Boycott The Gubernatorial Election
By Praise Ben
In due course, a thorough analysis of the February 25 presidential poll in Nigeria will be conducted and recorded for historical reference. But for now, those who botched the election and restricted the people’s ability to openly choose their leader already bear the stigma of infamy.
As Nigerians gear up for the gubernatorial elections across the states, a call to action arises. While it may seem like a tempting prospect to boycott the gubernatorial polls as a means of conveying disappointment and pessimism, it is imperative to consider the bigger picture. Such an action could be perceived as a boost for those who are against democracy and want to be declared winners before the votes are cast. The question on many lips is what gives them such unwavering confidence? Alas, the recent events have laid bare the tactics employed by these political outlaws. Their reliance on manipulation and deceit to gain an unfair advantage is nothing short of appalling.
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The Nigerian citizens, eager to make their voices heard, went to great lengths to enroll in the electoral process, only to be met with a heart-wrenching disappointment. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a free and fair election, exhibited a disturbing lack of moral rectitude.
Despite making grand promises, they failed to deliver on their commitment, leaving voters disillusioned and disheartened. Adding insult to injury, the results of the National Assembly elections were promptly posted on the iRev portal, while the presidential election results remained shrouded in mystery. This delay, lasting hours on end, raises suspicion and fuels the possibility of foul play.
Was this delay orchestrated to provide an opportunity for the falsification of results from the polling places?
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu and other electoral officers at the National Collation Centre, Abuja
It is only natural to feel disheartened when an umpire tasked with the responsibility of upholding the highest level of integrity appears to make decisions based on questionable factors. This was the case with the INEC Chairman, who proceeded with the collation of results despite being alerted to numerous violations and malpractices. The flagrant disregard for the rules and regulations of the electoral process prompted top-party agents to stage a walkout, signaling their lack of faith in the system.
Throwing in the towel in the middle of an election is also undiplomatic as it opens up the possibility of the electoral arbiter leveraging the results of the governor’s race and the state assembly elections to curry favor and salvage their reputation. The truth of the matter is that the polls conducted on February 25th, and the method used to tally the results fell short of the standard expected, even by Nigerian norms.
Just when we thought we were getting closer to the end of the ‘election drama’, INEC announced a postponement of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections, giving them time to reconfigure the BVAS.
We call upon the Nigerian electorate to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming gubernatorial election, and to select governors and members of the state houses of assembly. It is imperative that the people maintain their trust in the system, as this is the key to realizing a robust democracy in Nigeria. We understand that the failures of the previous election may have left some voters feeling disheartened and disenfranchised.
Still, we implore them not to be discouraged but to approach this election with renewed determination and conviction. We also urge the presidential candidates to take the lead in mobilizing their supporters and encouraging them to vote for their respective parties. It is the responsibility of officials to acknowledge the shortcomings of the previous election and take steps to rectify them.
FURTHER READING
However, it is equally important for citizens to remain engaged and committed to the democratic process. Let us all come together and work towards building a better future for Nigeria, one where the voices of the people are heard, and democracy thrives.
Praise Ben writes for Eko Hot Blog. This media platform reserves all rights to this article.
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