The Nigerian Bar Affiliation (NBA) has counseled the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) for the conduct of the Edo governorship election.
On September 22, INEC declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), because the winner of the election.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Celebration (PDP), who bought 247,274 votes.
The NBA, in a report from its Election Working Group (NBA-EWG), mentioned the ballot was carried out orderly.
The report, which was signed by Bolatumi Animashaun, NBA-EWG workforce lead; and Mobolaji Ojibara, common secretary; mentioned Afam Osigwe, NBA president, deployed representatives from 5 branches in Edo as observers for the election.
“The Nigerian Bar Affiliation Election Working Group (NBA-EWG) noticed that the 2024 Edo state governorship election was typically orderly,” the report acknowledged.
The affiliation additionally counseled safety companies for demonstrating “a excessive degree of professionalism” all through the election.
Additionally they counseled voters who confirmed resilience regardless of inclement climate.
“Regardless of a heavy downpour of rain in the course of the election, these people remained resilient and waited patiently to train their civic obligation,” the NBA mentioned.
“The turnout of bodily challenged voters was notably commendable, as they got precedence remedy on the polling stations, making certain they might vote with ease.”
Nevertheless, NBA-EWG expressed considerations over low voter turnout, vote shopping for, and logistics challenges.
“The low voter turnout, affect of cash, and delays within the distribution of election supplies had been notable considerations,” the affiliation mentioned.
“Nevertheless, the conduct of voters, election officers, and safety personnel was commendable, contributing to a largely peaceable election course of.”
In its suggestions, the group urged INEC to “prioritize the well timed deployment of election supplies and personnel to keep away from delays and be certain that all polling models are outfitted to start the voting course of on time”.
“There’s a want for intensified voter training campaigns aimed toward restoring public belief within the electoral course of and inspiring larger voter participation, particularly amongst ladies and youth,” the report acknowledged.
“Stronger measures should be applied to forestall political events from utilizing cash to affect voters. This consists of stricter monitoring at polling models and extra clear processes to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system.”
