The governorship elections held in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states were marked by widespread violence, voter apathy, and allegations of vote-buying.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adjourned the collation of results for the Bayelsa State governorship election and suspended elections in nine wards of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi State.
Despite the violence, preliminary results indicated that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (APC), and Senator Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State (PDP), were leading in the few polling units where results were collated. In Kogi State, APC’s Usman Ododo was reportedly leading based on results from a limited number of polling units.
Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark called on INEC to investigate reported irregularities in the three states, emphasizing the need for transparency to redeem INEC’s image.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan urged the National Assembly to work towards ending off-season elections, expressing concerns about the potential impact on the democratic process.
The Centre for Democracy and Development Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) reported logistical challenges, including late commencement of voting in several polling units. Observers noted that voter turnout was affected in Imo State due to fear of violence.
Reports from Bayelsa indicated instances of violence, vote-buying, and late arrival of INEC staff. Governor Duoye Diri accused APC candidate Timipre Sylva of being behind electoral violence in Nembe-Bassambiri.
In Imo State, violence and vote-buying allegations were reported, with some voters selling their votes for as low as N2,000. Governorship candidate Athan Achonu of the Labour Party called for the cancellation of votes in units marred by violence.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu of PDP raised alarms about electoral malpractices, including vote-buying and coercion of voters, calling for result cancellation in affected areas.
In Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye called for the cancellation of the election in five LGAs, alleging a coordinated scam by INEC. The electoral commission suspended elections in nine wards of Ogori/Magongo LGA due to irregularities, including pre-filled result sheets.
The elections underscored the need for comprehensive investigations into reported irregularities, ensuring transparency, and addressing the challenges faced by voters and election officials.
