Tension mounts as gubernatorial elections approach in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi

As the gubernatorial elections scheduled for Saturday, November 11, draw near in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, residents are gripped with fear and anxiety, particularly in Imo and Kogi, where tensions are escalating.

Concerns heighten over potential violence, echoing the scenarios witnessed during the 2023 general elections in these states. Despite the residents’ desire to participate in the polls, there is a pervasive fear of losing lives, fueled by skepticism about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections based on past experiences.

Reports of destroyed opposition candidates’ posters, physical attacks on party supporters, and malfunctions in Biometric Verification and Authentication System (BVAS) machines contribute to the prevailing apprehension.

President Bola Tinubu, during the flag handover ceremony to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, emphasized the need for free, fair, and transparent elections in the three states. However, concerns persist, leading an elite group, Club 582 in Kogi, to urge Tinubu to investigate recent killings in the state.

In Imo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calls for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu, expressing doubts about accepting election results with her in charge. Kogi, known for past election violence, raises apprehension, with reports of attacks on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate and memories of the unprecedented violence in 2019.

Bayelsa, though less tense, faces concerns following alleged threats from the APC’s deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver. The PDP accuses opposition politicians of amassing weapons to disrupt the elections.

Analysts and activists express doubts about INEC’s preparedness and urge vigilance from the people to ensure credible elections. Challenges in Nigeria’s democracy, intertwined with the state’s influence on the government, contribute to electoral problems.

Amidst the apprehension, Niger Delta Nationalities Forum president, Seigha Manager, calls for optimism and readiness to fight for credible elections. Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Chief Alex Ogbonnia criticizes Nigeria’s democratic practices, emphasizing the need to separate the state from the government.

Former NBA Second Vice President, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, urges people to speak up if they detect flaws in the electoral processes, emphasizing the importance of public awareness to prevent manipulations.