Electoral Challenges in Niger State Highlight Systemic Failures
The recent local government election in Niger State, held on Saturday, has been marked by a series of troubling events that have raised serious concerns about the integrity and conduct of the electoral process. Reports from various parts of the state indicate that violence, voter apathy, and a lack of essential materials and officials have plagued the proceedings.
Violence and Disruption in Magama LGA
In Nasko, Magama Local Government Area (LGA), the situation escalated when the building housing sensitive materials for the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) was set ablaze by angry party supporters. This occurred due to the alleged absence of result sheets, which were supposed to be distributed to all 25 LGA headquarters for onward delivery to wards and polling units. The materials had been handed out on Thursday, but upon arrival in Nasko, the results sheets were missing, leading to protests by opposition party supporters.
The initial protest remained peaceful, but it turned violent when electoral officials failed to address the issue of the missing documents. This incident underscores the critical need for better coordination and transparency in the distribution of electoral materials.
Confrontations and Injuries in Lavun and Gbako LGAs
Reports from Lavun LGA revealed a violent confrontation between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This clash resulted in the destruction of campaign vehicles and injuries to several supporters. Similarly, at Legbozuku polling unit in Nuwankota ward, Gbako LGA, another violent incident was reported, further highlighting the volatile nature of the election environment.
Exclusion of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)
A significant concern was the omission of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) from the ballot paper. Some presiding officers confirmed that the party’s name was not among the ten political parties listed. This exclusion has prompted legal action, with NNPP leader Danladi Umar Abdulhamid stating that the party would challenge this in court. The party’s chairmanship candidate in Bida LGA, Abdulmalik Usman Nagenu, expressed dismay over the exclusion, calling it a deliberate act.
Voter Apathy and Late Arrivals
At MB Yunusa 023 polling unit in Nassarawa A ward, Chancahag LGA, voters and party agents reported low turnout, attributing it to the late arrival of officials and materials. As of 11:11am, electoral officials at Veterinary polling unit 008 were seen waiting for ballot papers and security personnel to start voting. Many voters left after waiting for hours, highlighting the inefficiency of the electoral process.
At Orphanage Home polling unit 021 in Nassarawa C ward, voting did not begin until 11:40am. Persons with disabilities who arrived as early as 7am lamented that many of them were disenfranchised due to the late arrival of materials. Usman Mohammed Halilu Nagogo, a physically challenged voter, expressed disappointment with the conduct of the exercise, emphasizing the need for better planning and execution.
Absence of Materials in Gbako LGA
Residents in Gbako LGA reported that electoral materials were not delivered to most polling units. This lack of preparation and communication has led to widespread frustration among voters. In Wushishi Local Government, ballot papers arrived without result sheets, prompting protests by opposition party agents.
Market Activity Amidst Election Disruptions
While the election was ongoing, the Mutun Daya weekly market in Shiroro LGA was filled to capacity. Traders and farmers told correspondents that electoral materials were not brought to their polling units. Reverend Habila Emmanuel, Pastor of Osana Baptist Church, confirmed that electoral materials were not present at the polling units. He mentioned that he had a meeting postponed due to the election, but the lack of materials made it impossible to exercise their franchise.
Mohammed Sabiu, a resident of Gwada, Shiroro LGA, decided to go to the market after waiting for several hours for electoral officials and materials. This highlights the impact of the election disruptions on daily life and community activities.
Unsuccessful Efforts to Reach Electoral Officials
Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, Engr Jibril Imam, for comments on the conduct of the election were unsuccessful. As of press time, he neither answered calls nor responded to messages sent to him, raising further questions about the commission’s accountability and responsiveness.
Tragic Incident in Kontagora
One tragic incident was reported at the Saleh Bashari polling unit in Kontagora Central Ward. Two siblings, Shehu and Yazid Mohammed Mai-Ibadah, along with a party supporter, Bala Bagu, were shot by security operatives. According to Zarumai, the elder brother of the victims, Shehu died on the spot, while Yazid was admitted to the hospital with severe injuries. The incident occurred when former commissioners arrived with armed security operatives, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the shooting.
Police Confirmation of Attack
The police in Niger State have confirmed an attack on electoral officials in Magama LGA. SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the state’s Police Command, stated that one electoral official was injured and electoral materials were set ablaze. Although the building was not completely destroyed, some suspects were arrested and are under investigation.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved security, better coordination, and more transparent processes to ensure fair and efficient elections in Niger State.