Unquestionably, the conduct of the 2019 general election was more peaceful, free and fair than the 2015 general election. Similarly, the conduct of the 2015 general elections was more peaceful and less violent compared to that of the 2011 general election. This is indicating that there is a huge success in the nation’s democracy.
Nonetheless, the recent incessant attacks on the facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) give reason for worry. INEC offices and election materials had been destroyed in Enugu, Ogun, Osun and Ebonyi states in recent times.
No doubt, such destruction constitutes a huge setback to the nation’s democracy as the country had witnessed successes in the previous polls. We need a peaceful atmosphere for a free and fair election to take place. Therefore, attacking INEC properties is not a better option.
The recent mindless attacks saw the destruction of a total of 1,993 ballot boxes, 399 voting cubicles, 22 electric power generators and thousands of uncollected PVCs, among other materials. This has resulted in the reprint of the other voters’ cards and the reproduction of ballot boxes and voting cubicles among other destroyed materials.
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On a serious note, the destruction of the INEC materials will do more harm to Nigeria and its democracy than good. If this ungodly move continues, multiple Nigerians would be disfranchised and the election would be susceptible to too much rigging if care is not taken.
It must also be noted that it is not just about the destruction of the INEC materials, but about the high expectations Nigerians have about the coming election. Nigerians are yearning for change and would not want anything that would stop them from effecting that change in governance.
That is the reason why actions that could trigger violence before, during and after the election must be tackled without delay.
It could be recalled that nearly 800 lives were lost during the 2011 presidential election just as properties worth billions of naira were destroyed. The violence mostly stemmed from cases of electoral malpractices such as rigging and doctoring of results.
It is therefore apt to say that the more destruction of election materials and INEC materials, the more problems we will face in the forthcoming election. As such, the federal government should take drastic measures to put an end to any further attack on the INEC materials and facilities before, during and even after the election period.
Our security agents must increase their surveillance and protection of INEC facilities across the country. There is a need to urgently deploy more policemen to various INEC facilities especially areas that are very vulnerable to attacks.
There is also a need for the National Orientation Agency to intensify its sensitisation campaigns on the need for citizens to desist from attacking INEC facilities as well as doing anything that would jeopardise the forthcoming election.
Finally, if Nigerians need a free, fair and credible election in the forthcoming general election; there is a need for all of us to work tirelessly as a team to protect INEC’s centres and offices across the nation.
We must not fold our arms waiting for the government to intervene. It is our collective responsibility to put a stop to this barbaric act of attacks on the facilities of INEC.
Halima Zanna Abdullahi wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Borno State University
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