ActionAid Nigeria Demands Prosecution For Electoral Fraud In Edo State Gubernatorial Election

ActionAid Nigeria has issued a strong call for the prosecution of those who committed electoral fraud during Edo State’s recent gubernatorial election.

Country Director Andrew Mamedu expressed deep concern in a statement issued on Thursday about reports of manipulation and rigging throughout the election process, stating that such actions undermine the people’s will.

“Those responsible for undermining the will of the people must be held accountable,” Mamedu stated.

He emphasised that the government’s primary responsibility is to serve its citizens’ interests, rather than to tolerate actions that silence their voices.

The statement cites numerous irregularities reported by civil society groups, such as disruptions at collation centres, intimidation of INEC officials, and attempts to manipulate results.

While acknowledging INEC’s investigation into these allegations, ActionAid expresses concern about the commission’s track record and urges prompt and effective action.

Beyond immediate accountability, ActionAid calls for comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria. This includes:

• Overhauling INEC: The organisation advocates for the establishment of a more transparent, accountable, and independent body free of political influence, led by individuals with proven integrity.
• Enhanced Civil Society and Observer Roles: ActionAid advocates for civil society organisations and international observers to play a larger role in election observation, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously and that mechanisms are in place to respond quickly to misconduct.
• Robust Electoral Technologies: The use of technologies such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission is deemed critical to reducing fraud.
• Impartial Security Deployment: Security personnel should be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, while allowing party agents, media, and observers to maintain electoral integrity.
• Judicial Reform: The judiciary must prioritise electoral cases and issue swift, evidence-based verdicts, ensuring accountability for officials found to be involved in electoral fraud.

The statement from ActionAid Nigeria is a timely reminder of Nigeria’s urgent need for electoral reform.

The organisation believes that only comprehensive reforms will restore the integrity of the country’s electoral system and achieve true democracy.