According to Punch, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, characterized the off-season governorship elections in Nigeria, particularly in his state, as resembling a war zone rather than a typical democratic process.
Speaking at a public presentation on Nigeria’s Election Violence and Education Report of the 2023 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states in Abuja, the police commissioner expressed deep concern about the intense bitterness and hostility witnessed during the November 11 election, which saw the emergence of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo, as the winner.
Onuoha, who highlighted the lack of internal democracy in Nigerian politics, noted that the election atmosphere in Kogi State had always been akin to a battlefield since its creation in 1991. He described the unprecedented level of bitterness and hostility surrounding the 2023 governorship election, stating that such a situation was alarming and not conducive to a healthy democratic process.
He emphasized the need for significant reforms and the inclusion of individuals genuinely committed to serving the nation rather than viewing politics as a mere business or career.
Onuoha stated, "Conducting elections in Nigeria is war. Since the creation of Kogi State in 1991, elections in the state has always been like war. Since I was born, I have never seen the kind of bitterness that was brought into electioneering in the state towards the November 11, 2023 governorship election."
He further emphasized the importance of addressing issues related to internal democracy within political parties, as the lack of it often leads to pre-election violence and bitterness among party members.
Highlighting the challenges faced during election periods, he stressed the need for adequate security measures and effective deterrence against electoral violence and malpractice. He also called for a reevaluation of the current electoral process to ensure a more sustainable and transparent system.
Furthermore, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, shared insights from their six-month monitoring of election activities in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states. She recommended that the government and law enforcement agencies should move beyond mere arrests and ensure the prosecution of ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders.
Idowu emphasized the need for a clear legislative framework regarding the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in electoral violence, urging authorities to take decisive actions to promote accountability and transparency in the electoral process.