The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has called for a comprehensive investigation into reported incidents of pre-filled results sheets during the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
The Convener of the Situation Room, Yunusa Ya’u, made this call during a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.
Ya’u expressed concern over specific instances, stating, “Situation Room calls for thorough investigation of these incidents in order to preserve the integrity of the elections.”
He highlighted cases in Kogi State, particularly in Ogori Magongo Local Government Area, where an individual was allegedly apprehended with filled results sheets and one million naira in cash.
Additionally, the Situation Room observed challenges in Kogi State, including transportation unavailability in 26% of the Registration Area Centres, improper batching of materials in 17% of the RACs, and a shortage of required election officials in 15% of the RACs.
Ya’u urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to take measures to prevent the disenfranchisement of registered voters in these areas.
While acknowledging that the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System functioned optimally in most polling units, Ya’u noted instances of malfunctioning machines leading to voter disenfranchisement.
The Situation Room also reported widespread vote-buying across the three states, with instances of voters exchanging their thumb-printed ballot papers for rice, drinks, and money.
