Election Security Threats in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa: CLEEN Foundation Calls for Vigilance, pledges commitment to electoral process 

Oru Leonard 

Ahead of the November 11th off-cycle elections, there are fears of potential violence surrounding the electoral process in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States which are considered to be volatile. As the scheduled off-cycle elections in these States draw near, the CLEEN Foundation has expressed concerns over challenges surrounding election security in these States.

The Executive Director, Mr. Gad Peter in a statement made available to News Dot Africa today stated. “As an organization, we are deeply committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety and integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. There is a risk of weaponization of social media, drugs, small arms and light weapons, separatist groups, militias and voter suppression as drivers of conflict, misinformation and instability as has been clearly shown in the political antecedents of these states. We have seen tribal context playing out already in Kogi as all 3 candidates from the leading political parties are representing the 3 major ethnic groups in the State.m.”

He noted that the upcoming off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States represent a significant opportunity for the citizens of these states to exercise their democratic rights and choose their representatives. He however, acknowledged that the elections also come with certain security challenges that require the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved, including political parties, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the electorate.

Gad disclosed that flashpoints include: Imo State, places like Orlu, Orsu, Oru-East, Ohaji-Egbema, Ngor-Okpala, Ehime-Mbano, Isiala-Mbano, Okigwe, Njaba, Mbaitolu, Oguta, Onuimo are Local Government Areas that the Nigeria police and other security agencies should pay attention to.

Kogi State, special attention should be given to Kogi Central, Kogi West, Ofu, Olamaboro, Omala, Dekina, Ajaokuta, Okene, Adavi, Okehi and Ijumu. Indicators have thrown up these locations.

In Bayelsa State, the traditional locations of Brass, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Ogbia require strategic attention.

The Executive Director listed the  following election security threats:

Violence and Intimidation: Instances of election-related violence and intimidation have been reported in the past. We strongly condemn any acts of violence, threats, or harassment aimed at disrupting the electoral process and intimidating voters.
Voter Suppression: Efforts to suppress voter turnout or manipulate the electoral process to undermine the fundamental principles of democracy. We call on all parties involved to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot freely and without fear.
Security Preparedness: The security agencies in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States must be adequately prepared and equipped to maintain law and order during and after the elections. Timely and effective response to security incidents is crucial to ensuring a peaceful voting process.
Hate Speech and Incitement: Hate speech, incitement, and the dissemination of false information can exacerbate tensions during the electoral period. We urge all political actors and citizens to refrain from using hate speech and promote responsible communication.

CLEEN Foundation called for the caution in following areas:

Security Alerts: The Nigeria Police alongside all security agencies should put together adequate security infrastructure in volatile LGAs ahead of the elections as a measure to prevent, contain and deter any form of violence that might play out.
Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security: INEC should activate and institutionalize its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to enhance pre, during and post-election electoral security in these states. This will encourage civic engagement and voter registration to increase citizen involvement in the electoral process.
Election Stakeholders’ Collaborative Efforts: We encourage all relevant stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies and civil society organizations in these states, to collaborate closely and share information to mitigate security risks. Security agencies should implement proactive measures to identify and address potential security threats, such as monitoring and addressing the activities of political thugs.
Civil Society and Media Vigilance: Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. We commend the efforts of community watch groups and encourage their active participation in safeguarding the electoral process. We implore the IGP to ensure that security agencies act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Provide them with adequate training on election security and human rights.
Peaceful Conduct: Political parties and their supporters are reminded of the importance of peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections. We call for strict adherence to the principles of non-violence as enshrined in the Electoral Act. Government must ensure that security agencies act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Provide them with adequate training on election security and human rights.
Respect for the Rule of Law: We remind all actors of the importance of respecting the rule of law and the independence of the electoral institutions responsible for conducting the elections. We encourage political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns, refrain from hate speech and incitement, abide by the INEC code of conduct for political parties and adhere to campaign finance regulations.

CLEEN Foundation says it remains committed to supporting the electoral process in Nigeria and ensuring that the citizens of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful and secure environment. We call on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and integrity of the electoral process and work together to address election security threats effectively.