As the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State approaches, it is evident that the people of the state hold the key to shaping their future.
However, to do so, they must first acknowledge that the institutions meant to protect them have failed, and the electoral process is “notoriously inconsistent”.
Waiting for the Police?
It is a well-known fact that most electoral violence is politicized by political parties who feel they do not have the will of the people.
These parties use this electoral violence to win elections.
However, the police, whose duty is to maintain safety during elections, have struggled to prevent electoral violence in previous governorship elections.
This failure leaves citizens unprotected and raises concerns about the integrity of the process.
Security agencies have also not lived up to their responsibilities of ensuring that perpetrators of violent acts and other violations are promptly brought to justice.
Recall that there was widespread violence unleashed on voters in parts of Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Edo and Delta states during the 2023 election.
There was also loss of lives in Tudun Wada/Doguwa in Kano state, due to arson and other violence on Saturday 25 February 2023, quoting Amnesty International.
Up to date, these incidents have not been investigated, and neither was anyone brought to book.
Why then put Hope in them?
Waiting for INEC? Shield Against Rigging and Gerrymandering
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tasked with conducting neutral and credible elections, has shown, through its past actions, that it may not be reliable.
Many Nigerians still recall the 2023 presidential election, where there were widespread reports of vote manipulation. Bola Tinubu was declared the winner amid calls for a rerun.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu announced the results on live television just after 4 a.m., plunging the country into disappointment.
Discrepancies were noted between votes counted at polling stations and those uploaded on INEC’s website, leading to accusations of tampering.
International observers, including the European Union and a joint mission of the International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute, criticized the election for falling short of credibility.
However, nothing was done about it.
Waiting for the Courts?
Hoping that courts will deliver justice in election disputes has also proven problematic. Trust in the judiciary’s impartiality in electoral matters remains low.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, INEC has faced challenges in conducting credible elections.
The electoral umpire has conducted six general elections over the past two decades, with several being taken to court due to malpractices.
In the history of Governorship elections in Nigeria, Seven governorship elections have been taken to court since 1999, some presidential elections. But Nigerian courts have never been of clear help.
For instance, While some countries like Kenya and Malawi have had their presidential elections nullified due to irregularities, Nigeria’s Supreme Court has never overturned a presidential election result, even in the face of evident malpractices, such as in the 2023 presidential election.
In essence, relying on the courts alone to save the day after the elections have been rigged is a dangerous gamble. It is in the hands of the people to ensure that the process is fair from the start. It is far better for Edo citizens to be vigilant and ensure that their votes are protected at the polling stations, preventing the need for court interventions.
The Future of Edo: Your Power is in Protecting Your Vote
Edo’s future lies in the hands of its people. This time, the citizens cannot afford to be passive.
Casting a vote is only the first step; the power of the people does not end when the ballot is dropped into the box. After voting, it is crucial to remain vigilant and protect your vote. Stay at the polling units, stay alert, and peacefully ensure that the people’s will is respected until the rightful winner is declared.
If it takes staying overnight at the polling stations until the results are announced, so be it. The 2023 election taught us that results can be manipulated and announced under the cover of darkness, but Edo voters must not allow such a scenario to unfold again.
Let Edo stand as a symbol of change. The real power lies with the people, and together, they can secure the future of the state.
The future of Edo is in your hands—protect it.
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