Edo Guber Poll: Deliver free, fair, peaceful election – HURIWA to INEC

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024, is conducted free, fair, and peacefully, devoid of rigging or malpractices.

HURIWA, in a statement signed and made available to reporters by Emmanuel Onwubiko on Wednesday, stated that the credibility of INEC is under scrutiny following the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections.

The Edo election, they emphasized, offers the commission an opportunity to redeem its image under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The rights group highlighted that the success of the Edo gubernatorial election would significantly impact public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections. The group expressed optimism that if INEC upholds the principles of constitutionalism and ensures transparency, the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections could be mitigated.

“It is imperative that INEC not only declares its intention to conduct a free and fair election but also ensures that every step of the process is open, transparent, and devoid of manipulation. The 2023 election ‘sins’ under the current leadership of INEC will be forgiven if Edo and the subsequent Ondo State elections meet the threshold of free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement read.

The human rights organization also called on all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. They stressed that violence, intimidation, or vote-buying would undermine the democratic process and disenfranchise the people of Edo State.

The group also urged security agencies deployed for the election to remain impartial and ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and materials.

“The security agencies must avoid taking sides and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves the right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation,” the statement added.

“We have taken notice of worrying reports coming out of Edo and the statement by the Governor of Edo State, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, that the Nigeria Police Force is being weaponized against members of the People’s Democratic Party. We urge the Police to desist from these acts if true; as a partisan police force is inimical to the idea of representative democracy.”

HURIWA acknowledged that the recent inspection visits to Edo State by the INEC boss and the preparations are promising signs that the electoral process in Edo State is on track.

However, the group stressed that these actions alone are insufficient to guarantee a successful election; they must be accompanied by strict adherence to electoral integrity.

HURIWA urged the INEC chairman to remain resolute in upholding constitutionalism throughout the election.

The group also cautioned against the influence of external forces, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, which HURIWA claims is attempting to manipulate the electoral process to impose a one-party state on Nigeria.

The statement referenced controversial comments made by the ‘unelected’ National Chairman of the APC, who hinted at the party’s ambition to dominate the political landscape, thus undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

“The current administration, through its body language and overt actions, has shown desperation to foist a one-party state on Nigeria. This has been confirmed by none other than the ‘unelected’ National Chairman of the APC. INEC must resist any form of manipulation, coercion, or intimidation from any political party or interest group. The people of Edo State have the constitutional right to choose their leader without external interference,” HURIWA cautioned.

The association reiterated criticisms that trailed the 2023 general elections, in which INEC was accused of failing to deliver on its promises of transparency and credibility.

The association pointed out that reports of logistical challenges, technical failures, and alleged manipulation during the collation of results in the previous elections eroded public confidence in the electoral process.

HURIWA urged INEC to learn from the past and ensure that the upcoming election in Edo does not suffer from the same issues.

“INEC must ensure that the Edo election does not repeat the failures of the 2023 general elections. This is a critical moment for INEC to restore its credibility. Edo and Ondo states are litmus tests for INEC’s future,” the group emphasized.