By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    United Nations
    4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development
    3 months ago
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    3 months ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    3 months ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    3 months ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    3 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    From Child Soldiers To Carpenters In The Democratic Republic of Congo
    3 years ago
    Egypt: United States Embassy Cairo Organizes Women And Environment Week
    3 years ago
    PeacePro
    Military Intervention In Niger Republic Will Amount To Digging Africa’s Grave – PeacePro
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Canada–Africa Chamber Of Business: Delegates From Nigeria, Kenya, SA, DR Congo Visit Hamilton To Strengthen Trade And Investment Links
    2 days ago
    Four African Cities Awarded CRA’s African Urban Heat Resilience Grants 
    7 days ago
    Gov Sanwo-Olu Hails Lagos Nomination As Intra-African Trade Fair Host
    7 days ago
    New AfDB President Set Youth Target In 100 Days, To Prioritise Reforms, Partnerships
    2 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    I Will Be Voting This Saturday, Says BBTitans Host, Ebuka
    3 years ago
    Olopade Congratulates Oborevwori As He Triumphs In Delta
    2 years ago
    Eshinlokun
    Eshinlokun Wins At Senate Electoral Tribunal
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    NSC Chairman To Engage With Youth And Sports Stakeholders At The Nest Centre
    1 month ago
    Edo District Bye-election: SDP Candidate, Hon. Isidahomhen Promises To Pursue Best Interest Of Esanland 
    1 month ago
    PHOTOS: Vinod Obasa Takes Oath Of Office
    2 months ago
    Gov Adeleke’s Outburst Against Aregbesola Shows Sign Of A Drowning Man – ADC Group
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    SP Abimbola Olabisi Appointed As New Lagos PPRO
    1 day ago
    At Polish-Nigerian Economic Forum, Lagos Makes Case For Partnership, Trade Investments
    2 days ago
    798 Pensioners Paid N1.52B In Lagos State
    1 week ago
    Unlock Your Potential: NEXIM MD Inspires Nigerian Youth To Pursue Their Passions, Highlighting Opportunities In Non-oil Value Chains
    2 weeks ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Nigeria’s Glo(W)Ing Entertainment Industry: 19 Years Of Strategic Partnership
    3 years ago
    2023 Polls: Stay Tuned To These Channels On GOtv For Breaking News And Analysis 
    3 years ago
    Family, Friends Celebrate As Princess Zara Raji Turns Two
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    BBNaija S10: Joanna, Mide, and Isabella Clash as Denari and Tracy Exit the House
    2 days ago
    Akamai Adaptive Media Player 2: Bitmovin And Akamai Set New Streaming Standard
    1 week ago
    France Télévisions Hits Record Digital Engagement With Its Roland-Garros 24×7 Channel Powered By Wildmoka
    1 week ago
    Hello Mr Right Naija Season 3: Love, Drama And Surprises Await This September!
    2 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    NCC, NICO To Leverage Telecom Channels To Promote Nigerian Cultural Heritage
    1 year ago
    2023 Hajji: Lagos Pilgrim To Pay N3.2m
    2 years ago
    UAMC Annual Conference: Ogunlewe Assures Of Successful Hosting
    8 months ago
    Latest News
    Preserving African Culture: Polaris Bank , Chivita, And Danone Support CIKDAS’ Youth Literary Initiative
    2 weeks ago
    Nigeria, Switzerland Takes Major Steps Towards Repatriation Of Artifacts And Cultural Cooperation
    3 weeks ago
    Archbishop Ugorji Hails St. Helen’s Choir As One of the Best Choirs in Owerri Archdiocese
    3 weeks ago
    Lagos Tourism Ministry Visits Heritage Sites For Inventory, Documentation
    4 weeks ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Gov Abiodun Showcases Ogun Investment Opportunities At AfCFTA In Algeria
    1 week ago
    Intra-African Trade Fair
    Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027
    1 week ago
    Bank of Agriculture
    How Nigeria-Brazil Pact Will Boost Agricultural Investment, Food Security – BOA
    2 weeks ago
    Nexim Bank Boss To Engage Young Nigerians With Non-oil Export Opportunities For Wealth Creation At Breakfast Session
    3 weeks ago
    ₦46B in pre-launch transactions.
    After ₦46B Pre-launch Transactions, Fidelity Bank Unveils PAPSS In Nigeria
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    South Africa’s Cannabis Growers In Pondoland Left Behind By Legalisation Plans
    3 years ago
    WHO
    WHO Expands Health Services Support For Vulnerable Populations In Nigeria’s Northeast
    3 years ago
    trachoma
    WHO Commends Benin, Mali For Eliminating Trachoma As Public Health Problem
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    CAPPA Commends FG Health Tax Policy, Renews Call for Higher Sugary Drinks Excise Duty
    1 week ago
    Jubilation In Ebonyi As FG, State Govt Activate MAMII To Safe Pregnant Women And Babies
    2 weeks ago
    Abakaliki Agog As MAMII Train Enters Ebonyi State
    2 weeks ago
    LASU Professor Wins Distinguished Meritorious Obstetrics and Gynecological ICON Award
    2 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Impunity, Insecurity Threaten Nigeria’s General Elections
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Politics > Impunity, Insecurity Threaten Nigeria’s General Elections
Politics

Impunity, Insecurity Threaten Nigeria’s General Elections

Last updated: 2023/02/06 at 8:21 AM
3 years ago
Share
SHARE

The failure of the Nigerian authorities to address accountability for past elections-related abuses and widespread insecurity across the country threaten the safe conduct of the upcoming 2023 general elections, Human Rights Watch has said.

On February 25, Nigerians will elect a new president to replace President Muhammadu Buhari, who is completing his second 4-year consecutive term, the maximum allowed. They will elect federal National Assembly members the same day and governors and state lawmakers on March 11.

“There is a thick veil of violence shrouding the 2023 elections that undermines people’s fundamental right to vote,” said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “It is important for the authorities to swiftly restore public confidence in their ability to hold those responsible for electoral violence accountable and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.”

The elections are set to take place against a backdrop of impunity for abuses by security forces and other actors during the previous general elections in 2019. There have also been security threats from multiple groups across the country, including violent gangs in the northwest and groups in southeastern Nigeria who have been trying to undermine the elections.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Nigeria’s elections have historically been fraught with violence and other abuses. The election of President Buhari in 2015, the first transition of power to an opposition party since the country’s democratic transition in 1999, was largely peaceful. But the 2019 election was marred by violence from security forces, including the army, and thugs acting on behalf of politicians.

Human Rights Watch research on the 2019 elections in Rivers state in the south and Kano in the north, both of which have a strong history of violent elections, found that pre-election tensions including clashes between supporters of major political parties and rivalry between key politicians culminated in serious violence during the elections. Military officials indiscriminately shot and killed civilians in Rivers state while political thugs and security officials attacked election officials, voters, journalists, and other observers in both states.

Under international human rights law, federal and local officials are required to take all reasonable steps to create and maintain an environment in which election officials, journalists, and civil society can operate free from violence and intimidation. Democratic elections require the protection of freedom of expression and access to information. The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression has issued detailed guidance on how to ensure freedom of opinion, expression, and access to information during elections.

Despite repeated calls to the Nigerian authorities to ensure justice and accountability for election-related violence, Human Rights Watch has found that there has been little progress. A committee set up by the Nigerian Army to investigate allegations of violence and killings against officers during the elections was given two weeks in March 2019 to produce its findings. Four years later, the authorities have provided no information on the committee’s work, findings, or recommendations.

In 2020, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the prosecution of 18 people in seven states across the country for offenses during the 2019 elections, including snatching and destroying election materials, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of ballot papers and Permanent Voters’ Cards, and vote buying at polling places on election day. It is unclear how many of these cases have concluded or led to convictions.

The commission indicated that it faces constraints in ensuring justice and accountability for electoral offenses because, while it can prosecute offenders, the authority to investigate rests with the security agencies. This has led to a lack of effectiveness in dealing with cases involving election infractions, the commission said.

Law enforcement authorities should promptly and thoroughly investigate and appropriately prosecute offenses, including violence and threats against candidates, voters, election officials, and others, Human Rights Watch said.

In January, INEC announced that it plans to move ahead with elections across the country, including in troubled areas, despite the prevailing insecurity and threats from various groups in various parts of the country.

In states including Zamfara, bandit gangs, which emerged following years of conflict between nomadic herdsmen and farming communities, have continued to carry out violent activities causing widespread displacement, among other problems. Election officials announced that adequate arrangements have been made for displaced people who now live in different areas of the state to cast votes in polling places other than those they were registered to do so in, which may remain inaccessible to them because of insecurity and other related concerns.

However, Yusuf Ankah, an analyst and journalist who follows the crisis in the state closely, told Human Rights Watch that provisions were only being made for displaced people and areas documented by the government, which could potentially leave people whose situation the government has yet to document out of the electoral process. He also said that security concerns persist due to the bandits’ violence, which may discourage people from coming out to vote or even interfere with voting on election day.

Concerns also persist around safety and security during the elections in states in the southeast, including Imo, where violent secessionist groups have repeatedly attacked offices of the electoral authority to disrupt elections. A human rights activist in Owerri, the capital city, who works on electoral violence in the Southeast, told Human Rights Watch that the general public does not have confidence in the authorities’ ability to ensure people’s safety during elections in areas like the Imo West Senatorial District, where several attacks have taken place.

“There is a strong sense of fear among voters,” he said. “Amidst the incessant attacks and threats they are witnessing, they are concerned about their safety … people want to vote to be a part of the political process, but this is severely challenged by the security issues which there appears to be little or no commitment to address.”

Samson Itodo, the executive director of Yiaga Africa, an organization working primarily on elections, told Human Rights Watch that the authorities have failed to put in place or provide information about comprehensive early warning systems, including data on various threats communities face and clear plans to ensure citizens in these areas can vote safely and are not disenfranchised.

In 2019, Human Rights Watch also documented a lack of adequate and effective policing to ensure the safety of voters and polling places. Ahead of the elections, National Security Adviser Mohammed Babagana Monguo has assured citizens that the government is working to ensure adequate security for the elections, but with the security forces spread thin across the country, this remains a serious concern.

In 2020, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security adopted a Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty. The committee was established by the Nigerian authorities to ensure that election, security, safety, and law enforcement agencies work together to manage election related violence.

The code of conduct, among other things, makes clear that security personnel deployed during elections need to ensure the security and safety of everyone involved in electoral activities, prevent abuse of fundamental human rights, and avoid the use of excessive force. It also says that they must maintain a high level of professionalism and be impartial and neutral to ensure the integrity of the elections.

“Nigerian authorities should put in place adequate systems and plans across the country that will allow citizens exercise their right to vote safely,” Ewang said. “The authorities should ensure that security forces deployed during the elections act in accordance with the law and put in place safeguards, including a system, to respond to complaints; protect voters, candidates, and election officials; and address any irregularities that may hinder the credibility of the elections.”

You Might Also Like

NSC Chairman To Engage With Youth And Sports Stakeholders At The Nest Centre

Edo District Bye-election: SDP Candidate, Hon. Isidahomhen Promises To Pursue Best Interest Of Esanland 

PHOTOS: Vinod Obasa Takes Oath Of Office

Gov Adeleke’s Outburst Against Aregbesola Shows Sign Of A Drowning Man – ADC Group

Youth Party Releases Primary Election Guidelines Ahead of August 16 Bye-Elections

TAGGED: Human Rights Watch, Nigeria's General Elections
INadminNG February 6, 2023 February 6, 2023
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article Condolences: Osinbajo Visits Late Emir of Dutse’s Family, Adebutu
Next Article Lagos SWAN Commiserates With Chief Adebutu Over Wife’s Death
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?