Connected Development (CODE), in a press briefing on Saturday, has shared noteworthy observations from its election observers during the ongoing off-cycle elections in Bayelsa and Imo states. Using its election intelligence tool, UZABE, CODE monitored the elections through thousands of volunteer observers, shedding light on both positive efforts and concerns.
Emmanuel Njoku, CODE’s head of deployment, praised the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives, and the public to a free and fair electoral process. However, concerns were raised, including instances where observers were restricted from taking pictures, delayed voting due to the absence of party agents, and incidents of vote buying.
In Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi State, observers were impeded from taking pictures at 2nd 200 Community Open space borehole PU 043, raising concerns about the freedom of observers during the process. Bayelsa State witnessed delayed voting in Kanabiri comp Ward of Sagbama LGA due to the absence of party agents and late arrival of INEC officials at Yenogoa-Fankpo Square Ward.
An incident in Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State, involved an individual attempting to abscond with INEC materials in Azidekeoreyeine Square Ward. However, citizens resolved the situation without injuries. In Imo State, at Eke-mbutu Market Square Ward of Mbaitoli LGA, the BVAS machine malfunctioned, displaying Chinese language and causing a delay that was later rectified.
Low voter turnout was reported in some parts of the states, such as Owerri North at Okwu Uratta Primary School Ward. Disturbing reports of vote buying surfaced in Bayelsa at Market Square Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia LGA, with amounts as high as N20,000. Similar incidents were observed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward in Njaba LGA, Imo state, where votes were traded for as low as one thousand naira.
Hamzat Lawal, the CEO of CODE, called on all stakeholders, including security personnel and INEC officials, to ensure a peaceful electoral process. He emphasized the need for INEC to prioritize electronic transmission of polling unit results for transparency and timely collation.
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