Tension, Fear Grip Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi Ahead of Gubernatorial Elections

As the Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states brace for their gubernatorial elections on November 11, anxiety and trepidation loom large, particularly in Imo and Kogi. Concerns regarding violence, credibility, and security mar the pre-election atmosphere.

Tensions in these regions have surged, echoing the worrisome scenario during the 2023 general elections. Residents express a strong desire to vote but fear for their safety. They harbor doubts about the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and credible election, referencing the previous elections’ irregularities.

Instances of destroyed opposition posters, physical assaults on party supporters, and glitches in the BVAS machines further exacerbate the apprehension among the electorate. President Bola Tinubu, in handing over the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag to the party’s candidates, emphasized the need for transparent and fair elections, expressing confidence in their success through collective effort.

Despite this call, a Kogi-based elite organization, Club 582, urges President Tinubu to probe recent killings in the state, highlighting concerns over escalating violence despite the deployment of security personnel.

The looming specter of violence alarms observers in Imo and Kogi, with reports of missing opposition candidates’ posters and a history of violent incidents. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo demands the redeployment of the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process with the current commissioner.

The situation in Bayelsa, while less tense, is not without its own controversies. Allegations of threats by the deputy governorship candidate of the APC add to the apprehension. The ruling PDP also accuses opposition figures of arming thugs to disrupt the electoral process.

Seigha Manager of the Niger Delta Nationalities Forum expresses skepticism about INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, emphasizing the need for a redemption of the electoral body’s credibility.

Various voices, including the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and a former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, echo concerns about the democratic process and emphasize the people’s role in demanding transparency and accountability from INEC.

In the face of these challenges, the populace is called upon to remain vigilant, vocal about irregularities, and steadfast in upholding the integrity of the electoral process for a truly democratic outcome.