The Civil Society Election Situation Room Statement on Kaduna and Bauchi Elections

The Civil Society Election Situation Room Statement on Kaduna and Bauchi Elections The Civil Society Election Situation Room observed that the postponed gubernatorial and state houses of assembly elections in Bauchi and Kaduna states were largely peaceful. The elections themselves were characterised by the heavy presence of security personnel and low voter turnout in the majority of polling units. In Kaduna in particular, this occurred against the background of the approximately 25,000 displaced people. The successful conduct of the elections further underscored the determination of both the people and INEC itself to ensure the success of the electoral process. We would also like to congratulate NYSC members for their courage and patriotism in serving the nation despite the intimidation and tragic loss of life that were an unfortunate feature after some of the previous elections. However, this came with significant challenges in the conduct of a few party agents, inadequate materials in a few areas, and a certain amount of apathy among voters. In Misau LGA of Bauchi State, for instance, the local government chairman used about 100 thugs to force voters to vote for PDP, and in Tudun Wada in Kaduna State, there were insufficient ballot papers. Some of these challenges may have contributed to the cancellation of the polls in two LGAs in Bauchi. Given the challenges which faced these elections, the outcome was a credit to the people, INEC and the security personnel. We urge INEC to closely monitor the collation process which has proved the most daunting challenge of the entire 2011 elections. We also urge the people to remain calm, and the security forces to continue to act in a non-partisan and professional manner. Overall, the Civil Society Election Situation Room is pleased that the process is coming to peaceful and largely successful conclusion.
For: Elections Situation Room

Dr Jibrin Ibrahim
Executive Director
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
Tel: 0803 4001200

Clement Nwankwo
Executive Director
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
Tel: 0803 8899999