Accredited observers of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have alleged that the March 18, 2023, Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Bauchi State were characterized by vote-buying, over-voting and violence.
This was disclosed to journalists at Yimir Hotel, Bauchi recently by the Observers, led by the Centre for Child Care and Youth Development, describing the elections as below electoral standard practice and the standard of the INEC Electoral Act.
Madam Rebecca Maimato, who spoke for the Observers, alleged that irregularities and malpractices trailed the elections in many local government areas of the state.
Rebecca Maimato called on INEC to visit the areas where widespread irregularities and malpractices were recorded during the election.
According to her, “From our observation for instance, in Alkaleri ballot papers used were not carrying the official stamp. We also observed that pre thumb printing of ballot papers occurred before the commencement of voting. There were cases where over- voting and vote- buying were widespread and observed.”
She alleged that, “In Warji Local Government, a commissioner was alleged to have shot sporadically to scare voters away to enable over- voting and vote- buying. This was also recorded, and the video can be verified.”
She further alleged that, “In Kirfi, there were cases of over- voting and violence, especially in Kafin Iya and Bara wards. In Bauchi Local Government, we observed that in Birshi Miri Ward, there were cases of over- voting and vote- buying.”
The Observers added that, “In Toro Ward, a viral video showed a local government Chairman sharing N2000 notes to voters on the queue which can be verified.”
“This is a summary of the irregularities observed in the election. We therefore recommend that INEC as a matter of urgency look into the just concluded Bauchi State elections characterized by so many irregularities,” she called.
Madam Rebecca concluded that, “This is a major setback to Nigeria’s democracy. Secondly, we recommend that INEC should critically visit the issue of vote- buying, results sheets alterations and malpractices in the entire Bauchi State elections for immediate prosecution. INEC should ensure that LG with election irregularities and malpractices are cancelled for fairness and justice to the citizens of Bauchi State”.
