As the gubernatorial elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states approach on Saturday, November 11, the atmosphere is tense, particularly in Imo and Kogi states. The situation has raised concerns among residents.

Fears of violence loom large, especially in the two states, mirroring the scenario during the 2023 general elections.

Residents express the desire to participate in large numbers, but are apprehensive about the risk to their lives. They also harbour doubts about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, based on past events during the 2023 general elections.

Instances such as the destruction of posters of opposition candidates in Imo and Kogi, physical attacks on party supporters, and malfunctions of the BVAS machines have only exacerbated the situation.

During the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-handover ceremony to the party’s candidates, President Bola Tinubu made a plea for transparent and fair elections in the three states, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects based on the hard work of the candidates, their track records, and the collective efforts of party officials and members.

However, despite the call for credible elections, an elite organization of Kogi professionals, Club 582, has urged President Tinubu to initiate a probe into recent killings in the state. This request reflects the escalating concern about violent activities in Kogi.

Following the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s directive, approximately 40,000 police officers have been deployed to Kogi State to ensure security during the elections.

However, reports of further killings in Anyigba town on Tuesday due to clashes between political parties undermine the effectiveness of the security measures. This has prompted Club 582 to express worry over the recurring violence and the citizens’ loss of confidence in the government’s ability to protect them.

The People Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State also demands the redeployment of the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu, citing lack of trust in any electoral process with Agu involved. This adds to the growing unease surrounding the upcoming elections in Imo and Kogi states, with fears of potential unprecedented violence.

Reports from Imo State indicate a conspicuous absence of opposition candidates’ posters in Owerri, the state capital, fuelling concerns about suppression of opposition voices.

One resident, Christian Ekezie, expressed concern over the treatment of individuals opposing the ruling party in Imo State, citing an incident involving the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who was allegedly subjected to a brutal attack.

In Kogi, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reported multiple attacks without any arrests made, echoing the palpable anxiety surrounding the potential for violence in the upcoming elections.

The 2019 elections in Kogi were marred by unprecedented violence, leading many to fear a repeat or escalation of violence during the upcoming elections in the state.

Challenges and Concerns Ahead of Upcoming Elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi

As the political climate heats up in Nigeria, concerns are mounting over the upcoming elections, particularly in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states. While Bayelsa appears comparatively less turbulent, recent reports of inflammatory remarks by the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Joshua Maciver, have added to the unease. Allegations of opposition politicians amassing weapons and equipping thugs to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections have also surfaced.

Seigha Manager, the President of Niger Delta Nationalities Forum, voiced skepticism about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ability to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in these states. Manager’s doubts stem from the perceived failure of INEC to adhere to its own rules and guidelines during the previous general elections. He emphasized the need for INEC to redeem its reputation and restore public confidence through the forthcoming off-cycle elections.

Amidst these apprehensions, Manager urged security agencies to uphold their mandate and guarantee the safety and unrestricted movement of voters on Election Day. Despite the prevailing challenges, he urged citizens to remain optimistic and resilient, underscoring the imperative of securing credible electoral outcomes amid ongoing transformations.

Chief Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, decried the prevalent democratic practices in Nigeria, attributing electoral woes to the entanglement of the state and government. Reflecting on Nigeria’s struggle to conduct transparent elections, Ogbonnia highlighted the critical need to disentangle these entities for the advancement of democratic processes.

Adding to the discourse, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, the former second Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), emphasized the collective responsibility of the populace in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Ubani underscored the necessity for citizens to vigilantly monitor and expose any irregularities, compelling INEC to address concerns and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. By empowering the public to raise awareness about potential malpractices, Ubani emphasized the importance of deterring political manipulation.

As the nation braces for pivotal elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, heightened vigilance and public engagement emerge as crucial elements in charting a path towards transparent and credible electoral processes.