BY GLORIA USMAN, ABUJA – A Civil Society Organisation YIAGA AFRICA has decried the illegal possession of arms by political thugs during Saturday’s supplementary election in some states, stressing that the development poses a threat to political stability and human rights in the country.
The Chair of YIAGA AFRICA, Watching The Vote Working Group, Dr Hussaini Abdu, who made the assertion at a media briefing on the outcome of the group’s observation during the supplementary election, specifically condemned the deployment of thugs by the two major political parties in the election.
Abdu said that it was worrisome that in spite of the huge presence of security personnel, political thugs were seen visibly attacking voters and disrupting election in some polling units.
He said that the states mainly affected were Kano and Benue, saying that voter suppression and intimidation of the media and observers during the elections were high.
Abdu also said that YIAGA AFRICA received reports of disruption of electoral process including destruction of election materials, clash between political party agents and political thugs, adding that vote buying was also prevalent during the election just as threat to secrecy of ballot was seen as voting was done with cubicles and party agents were checking votes cast.
He said the situation is worrisome and raises serious questions on the effectiveness of security deployment for the supplementary elections.
Abdu calls for the investigation of the illegal possession of arms by political thugs with a view to hold their sponsors accountable.
YIAGA AFRICA called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain its periodic briefing with election stakeholders adding that its online and offline media should be used.
Abdu equally tasked security agencies to perform their functions within constitutional limits while providing security for the process.
He specifically called on the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate reports of bribery and corruption against officers on election duty.
