Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa gov polls tarnished by fraud, violence

Governors-elect have emerged in Imo and Kogi states after weekend elections tarnished by reports of fraud and violence, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and Nigeria’s broader democratic process.

Candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won in both states, according to results announced the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The elections were Nigeria’s first off-cycle polls since the controversial general vote in February and March.

In Imo, incumbent Hope Uzodinma received over 540,000 votes, ahead of Samuel Anyanwu of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second with 71,500 votes. The Labour Party’s Athan Nneji Achonu third on 64,000.

In Kogi state, Ahmed Ododo, handpicked by outgoing governor Yahaya Bello, got 446,000 votes, Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) came second with 260,000, while the PDP’s Dino Melaye got 46,000.

Results were expected in the oil rich Bayelsa by Monday noon as votes were still being counted in some areas.

”Unprofessional and partisan”

The poll was seen as a test of INEC’s improvements and commitment to free and fair polls, following the contentious and keenly contested presidential election of February 25, which brought Bola Tinubu to power.

Election observers and journalists reported similar problems as with the February vote: violence, vote buying and compromise of some officials.

In Kogi, presiding officers were caught with reporting to work with result sheets that had been written before voting started.

The electoral body initially said fresh elections would be needed in the affected parts but later announced that the number of registered voters in these areas was smaller than Ododo’s margin of victory, so the reruns were cancelled.

“Cases where electoral officials arrive at the polling units with pre-filled election results is unacceptable and highly condemnable,” Yiaga Africa, a non-governmental election monitoring group, said Monday in a statement.

The group reported 101 “critical incidents” of ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, violence and not following approved voting procedure in Imo and Kogi states, where it said it deployed some 650 observers.

In Kogi, INEC polling officials were “unprofessional and partisan” in over 15% and 14% of polling units in Imo and Kogi states, and over 21% and 15% of polling units in Imo and Kogi reported that security personnel were unprofessional and partisan, the group said.

“The elections in Kogi and Imo reaffirm the lack of commitment to democratic principles and credible elections on the part of electoral stakeholders,” YIAGA said.

Clashes were also reported in Bayelsa state, which is led by the opposition PDP. An electoral official was abducted a day before the polls and was released after the poll.

Thugs attacked election staff in some areas and sezied materials.