Citizens have been urged to remain actively involved in Nigeria’s electoral process to strengthen democracy at the grassroots, following the October 17 local government elections in Kogi State.
The call was made by Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) in its observation report on the elections conducted by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC).
The organisation commended the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the exercise, despite operational challenges, including delayed arrival of election officials and materials, low voter turnout and limited participation by political party agents.
According to CHRCR, some polling units opened for voting, while many others observed by its monitors lacked election officials and materials at the expected time. The organisation also reported that voter registers and election notices were not displayed at polling units observed.
Despite these shortcomings, the group noted the timely presence of security personnel at many polling units, describing their deployment as commendable. Observers and media representatives were also present at some locations, particularly in Lokoja, the state capital.
CHRCR said the elections recorded low voter turnout in many polling units, attributing the situation to insufficient voter confidence, motivation and access to the information needed to participate effectively.
The organisation also expressed concern over the limited involvement of political parties in voter education and mobilisation, despite their direct stake in the electoral process. It called on political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment ahead of future elections.
As part of its contribution to voter education before the polls, CHRCR said it made its radio platform available to KOSIEC officials and published information about the commission’s activities in its monthly publication, The Perspective Magazine.
The organisation further confirmed that electoral materials were distributed to various local government areas on October 16, a day before the election, in the presence of security personnel, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Department of State Services.
Results were declared at approximately 1 a.m. on October 18 by the KOSIEC chairman, following submissions from local government returning officers. CHRCR said the declaration was witnessed by some observers, security personnel and media representatives.
To improve future elections, the organisation recommended a stakeholder debriefing involving KOSIEC, political parties, security agencies, accredited observers, election officials and the media to identify successes, shortcomings and areas requiring improvement.
It also called for stronger civic education, better access to electoral information, increased civil society participation and sustained freedom of movement on election day.
CHRCR urged KOSIEC to publish election results on its website, expand its social media presence and digitise its operations to make electoral information more accessible to citizens.
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The organisation further called on citizens to reject misinformation and fake news that could undermine electoral confidence, while encouraging aggrieved candidates and parties to seek redress through the election tribunal rather than resort to violence.
Signed by its Executive Director, Idris Miliki Abdul, the report commended the peaceful conduct of political parties and candidates before, during and after the elections, and urged stakeholders to sustain their partnerships in support of democratic development.
The organisation maintained that local government elections are particularly important because they determine who manages community resources, delivers essential services and represents citizens at the grassroots.
