FCT Elections: INEC observer team indicts Wike

A coalition of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC-accredited election observer teams for the just-concluded FCT poll has recommended that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, be held accountable for allegedly intimidating the opposition parties at polling units.

Addressing journalists, the chairman of the coalition, Professor Isaac E. Iduma, said the preliminary report shows that the exercise was practically marred by voter apathy, with a significant amount of vote buying.

He said Wike and a huge number of armed security men on the election day went through the polling units, which culminated in the victory of the ruling party.

Professor Iduma further highlighted that the coalition would do everything within its reach to inform Nigerians and the international community about some of the areas observed during the election to prepare the INEC ahead of the 2027 election.

He said the Coalition also observed a dramatic split of polling units a few meters away from the original polling units within the same premises.

“Although INEC said the arrangement did not alter voters’ registration status, the Coalition expressed concern over inadequate voter education and sensitisation.

“Some voters experienced difficulty locating their designated polling units, while others returned home out of frustration.

He noted that accreditation and voting commenced between 8:30am and 10am in most observed polling booths.

He equally stated that in some polling units, officials set up early but waited for voters to arrive.

On the performance and conduct of INEC officials, he said they

demonstrated capacity in operating the BVAS and understanding the electoral process.

“Some ad-hoc staff lacked understanding of the polling unit booklet for observers, media, party agents and security personnel,” he added.

He further stated that the FCT minister allegedly conducted a self-imposed patrol in Abuja Area Municipal Council (AMAC) with heavily armed security personnel, allegedly intimidating voters, just as he also alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) induced voters with N2000 and above at some polling units.

He decried the death of Mr. Musa Mohammed, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) polling agent, saying he was beaten to death while protecting his party’s vote.

Meanwhile, the Coalition has also said that out of 17 political parties, only about five had a full complement of party agents.

“Many agents lacked INEC-accredited tags and used party-printed tags instead. Irregularities included intimidation, money politics and executive misconduct.

“In Gwagwa, armed policemen allegedly stormed a polling unit and carried away election materials; an ADC agent was reportedly beaten to death while resisting.

“In AMAC, an individual was seriously beaten after it was discovered he voted for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cameras and phones were damaged. Some INEC-accredited observers were arrested and detained.”

In part of its recommendation, the Coalition hopes the peaceful conduct continues in the upcoming Osun and Ekiti elections and the 2027 general elections.

The Coalition said even though the election was largely peaceful, it lacked integrity and fell below the international best practices

It, however, seeks immediate improvements to the electoral legal framework, noting that security agents must protect citizens’ rights and that INEC must uphold electoral integrity.

The coalition comprised the initiative for the Awareness of Civic Education of Citizens (IFACEC), the Centre for Strategic Conflict Management, the African Christian Care Trust Organisation, the International Standard Centre for Development and Patriotic Visioners Foundation, among others. (The Sun)