TheCable

The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD), a civil society organisation (CSO), says voter intimidation was recorded in Lagos, Anambra, and Imo during the general election.

In a statement on Tuesday, the CDD said it found that four key issues — operational challenges, violence, influence of money, and online falsehoods — shaped the electoral process.

It added that the intimidation recorded was linked to ethnic identity and political party affiliation.

“Intimidation, in many cases linked to identity or political party affiliation, was recorded across the country and was reported by 3.4% of observers. It was most commonplace in the northwest, south-south and southeast,” the statement reads.

“One instance of voter intimidation reported by an observer in Anambra state detailed how party agents were standing aside the voting cubicle directing voters as to how they should cast their ballot in full view of INEC ad-hoc staff.

“For the most part conducted by political parties thugs or loosely affiliated individuals, some of the intimidation designed to suppress votes centred around ethnic identity.

“In Lagos, threats were made against Igbos by prominent political thugs like MC Oluomo. BVAS readers were also targeted in some parts of Imo and Anambra states. Without a reader, voting is unable to continue and although replacements were found, this tactic for voter suppression could become more widespread in the future.

“In Bayelsa state, polling in 141 units were postponed after they were disrupted by violence. Although they were to go ahead the following day, safety concerns could result in reduced turnout.”

The CDD’s position comes amid reports of voter intimidation which led to the disenfranchisement of voters following attacks in parts of the country, including Lagos state.

The CSO, however, said Nigeria’s prevailing insecurity was not a significant factor that contributed to incidents of violence during the election processes.