2023: INEC and the reality of insecurity in Nigeria

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Insecurity in Nigeria has reached an alarming state, which has tagged Nigeria as one of the world’s unsafe and most terrorized nations.

Resultantly, this has forced people to question whether there would be an election in 2023 as many have been sacked from their homes while some parts of the country are reported to be under the governance of terrorists.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also joined other well-meaning Nigerians to express fears that insecurity may constitute a major threat to next year’s general elections.

In what seems like a response, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, insisted that elections will hold despite insecurity in the country.

“We are also aware of the security challenges and their impact on the electoral process. We will continue to engage early and intensely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of our personnel and materials, accredited observers and the media and, above all, the voters,” he said.

“Clearly, these are challenging times but we are determined that election must hold in 2023. However, this is a shared responsibility. INEC plays a critical role but the commission alone cannot deliver the elections we all desire.”

Meanwhile, on its part, the electoral body in a different forum, expressed fears over the 2023 elections while stating that there would be no results at polling units where violent incidents were orchestrated.

As a result of insecurity, the commission added in another development, that in 42 attacks, more than 1,149 persons, including INEC employees and security officers were killed in the three elections held in 2011, 2015 and 2019. Ballot papers, cubicles and other materials were similarly destroyed.

Only recently, an INEC official was shot dead by gunmen in a video that went viral. The armed men were heard saying there will be no election as they also warned citizens against participating in the process.

This is the reality of insecurity in the nation, especially as our roads have become insecure while train routes and airports are being attacked.

Nigerians have constantly received assurances from President Muhammadu Buhari that the security situation would be improved upon, and has recently asked the service chiefs to immediately ensure the release of all Nigerians who are under the captive of terrorists.

This has obviously not stopped attacks by bandits and terrorists in most parts of the country, especially the Northwest and the Southeast regions while the fight for peace and security is yet to be won.

Apparently, except the security situation improves with a new security architecture in place, elections will hold in Nigeria but not in all parts of the country.

Nigerians have their attention on the 2023 elections but sadly, not all will be allowed to vote if the sad state of insecurity still persists.

1 COMMENT

  1. Any elections by 2023 by unwilling government to identify and bring to book , the sponsors of terrorists will amount to elongation of this administration which seems to be the hidden agenda.

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