Many of the governors, who are in their final term, lost their ambition to go to the Senate in disruptions that were hitherto unseen. The emergence of the Labour Party as a potent third force changed the political dynamics in the states. Most of the actors that lost out can’t imagine themselves outside the orbit of power hence their resort to other means to regain political relevance. This desperation has thrown concerns that politicians are out to rig the March 18 elections in the most brazen manner, relying on extra-judicial means to compromise the process. Aside recruiting thugs to help them undermine the polls or suppress voter turnout in areas they are weak, failed politicians are reportedly colluding with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to make the falsification of results much out of tune with polling stations’ results than it was in the previous exercise. There have been accusations and counter-accusations over this among the parties in several of the states.
It is already common knowledge that the February 25 election failed to meet the minimum threshold of credibility. Both local and international observers returned with the verdict that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dropped the ball in the election that was held two weeks ago. There were many cases of irregularities including technical hitches that INEC has still not bothered to explain to Nigerians. There were issues with the transmission of results even as the umpire refused to adhere to the enabling electoral laws and guidelines which it set for itself. This disappointment has made Nigerians apprehensive as the polls open this Saturday. It remains to be seen if INEC has been able to learn its lessons and whether the security agencies are ready to improve on their inadequacies in their February 25 operations. The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security has reassured that they are ready for the last lap of the 2023 polls but Nigerians are not yet convinced. How will they be when some governors in cahoots with security agencies, are arresting prominent opposition members and raising illegal armies that will force people to vote for their anointed candidates against their wish.
