Off-season polls: Independent observers laud Tinubu, military for peaceful conduct

An International observer group, the Coalition for Democracy and Development in Africa has commended the role of the Military in the conduct of the recent governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states. The group also commended President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for democracy to thrive in the country. At a press […]

An International observer group, the Coalition for Democracy and Development in Africa has commended the role of the Military in the conduct of the recent governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states.

The group also commended President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for democracy to thrive in the country.

At a press conference in Abuja, Tuesday, Dr. Thomas Uzah, Executive Director of the coalition, said election observers interacted closely with state stakeholders on their expectations at the polls after they were divided into cells to cover a reasonable number of wards and local government areas.

“It was observed that there was a strong military presence in most of the wards and polling stations visited. They provided adequate cover to the electorates and INEC officials during and after the elections. Security operatives also provided sufficient security for the election materials and the states’ coalition centers before the elections’ commencement.

“There were pockets of issues in the states that saw the snatching of ballot boxes, disruption of the elections, and attempts to harass and intimidate perceived opponents by politicians and their associates.

“In most instances, the security operatives led by the military impressively neutralize these threats. It was observed that the police led security operations, and the military provided adequate cover,” he said.