Nigeria elections below expectations, INEC lacked transparency - NDI/IRI/JEOM Observers

The International Observers comprising of African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, European Union, held their separate summits to present their preliminary report of the Nigerian election.

According to the NDI/IRI/JEOM Observers, the Nigeria election lacked transparency and efficient planning and that the election fell well short of Nigeria legitimate reasonable expectations.

US Observer, Ambassador Green stated that logistical challenges and unchecked multiple incidents of violence overshadowed the electoral process and impeded a sustainable number of voters from participating.

He said; “Despite the much-needed reform from the electoral act of 2022, the election fell well short of Nigeria legitimate reasonable expectations.

Logistical challenges and unchecked multiple incidents of violence overshadowed the electoral process and impeded a sustainable number of voters from participating."

Chief Observer, Barry Andrews said, "Insecurity prevented INEC from accessing some areas that suffered attacks on some premises and personnel, this hindered preparations in affected areas and instilled fear in some voters. Overall stakeholders expressed confidence in INEC’s independence and professionalism and efficient information early in the process.

However, there was lack of efficient planning during critical stages of the electoral process as well as lack of transparency.”

The head of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma noted that despite a visible presence of security agents in some polling units, they were inadequate.

He said; “The visible presence of security agents discharging their duties in accordance of the law in some polling units, however, they were inadequate, the professional conduct of polling officials as well as some INEC staff who demonstrated inadequate knowledge of their duties especially with the voting materials.”

The head of the Africa Union Observers, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya said that the hours allowed for the voting exercise was insufficient knowing fully well the large population in Nigeria.

“Six hours does not provide sufficient voting time frame considering the huge voter population in Nigeria, the largest democracy in Africa,” he said.

The EU EOM deployed 110 observers from EU member states as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland for the general elections.

At the ECOWAS EOM, 250 election observers were deployed to Nigeria to support and monitor the entire electoral process.

The Africa Union also deployed 90-strong observer mission to Nigeria for the coverage of the election.