At a public presentation on Nigeria's Election Violence and Education Report of the 2023 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, criticized the off-season governorship elections, especially in his state, as resembling war zones rather than normal polls.
Onuoha expressed his dismay at the level of bitterness and lack of internal democracy in Nigerian politics, particularly highlighting the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State. He noted that the election, which saw the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo, emerge as the winner, was marred by irregularities.
Despite Ododo's victory, the candidates of the Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, Murtala Ajaka and Dino Melaye respectively, rejected the results citing irregularities.
Onuoha emphasized the need for drastic measures to address the situation, stating that without the efforts made, the election might not have even taken place. He called for a change in the political landscape, urging for individuals who are genuinely committed to serving the country rather than treating politics as a business.
The police commissioner also highlighted the importance of deterrence, noting that there has been a lack of consequences for electoral offenders. He emphasized the need for accountability and prosecution of those involved in election violence and malpractice.
In her address, Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, recommended that the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies should ensure that electoral offenders are not only arrested but also prosecuted. She emphasized the need for clarity in the legislative framework regarding the arrest and prosecution of electoral offenders.
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