CISLAC and TMG Raise Alarm Over Election Irregularities

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) raised significant concerns regarding voter apathy and irregularities observed during the recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, and Kano states. In a statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of TMG, they noted that the elections faced major challenges, including low voter turnout, with reports indicating that only about 10 voters cast ballots at some polling units.

The groups warned that persistent voter apathy could lead to a gradual loss of trust in the electoral process. They also highlighted logistical shortcomings, such as delays in the commencement of voting and inadequate access for persons with disabilities, despite assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Allegations of political interference were directed at Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who was accused of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. CISLAC and TMG called for improvements in the electoral system to ensure prompt deployment of materials and to address these pressing issues.