Peaceful governorship elections in Edo and Ondo uncertain, report warns — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

• Says INEC faces difficult terrain

A report by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has revealed that a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the prospects for a peaceful electoral process ahead of the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.

The document specifically revealed that no local council in Edo State had a chance of conducting the upcoming governorship elections relatively peacefully.
The organisation’s Team Leader, Bukola Idowu, during the presentation of the Pre-Security Risk Assessment (PSRA) report in Abuja, cited flooding, violence and crime as some of the major risks that could affect the credibility of the electoral process.

The document also said that INEC would need precise planning for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, which is off-cycle, due to the many hard-to-reach areas in the state, mainly rural and riverine.

It was argued that the high level of competition among candidates in Edo, as evidenced by the active campaigning of the major parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party, had contributed to the volatile atmosphere.

The report found that in seven city councils in the state the risk of violence was high, while in the remaining city councils the risk of violence was moderate.

“Such intense political rivalry often heightens tensions and can increase the potential for unrest. The fierce competition underscores the stakes and suggests that elections may be marked by heightened friction. In this context, the uncertainty surrounding the peaceful nature of elections reflects the broader instability in the political landscape, making it critical for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process,” the report said.

According to Oluwafemi Adebayo, Head of Research and Strategy at KDI, the lack of strong internal party democracy has led to an increase in hostilities and conflict within political parties after the primaries, undermining unity and trust.

“In Edo State, this has led to significant disunity and tension. Factions within major parties such as the APC and PDP, leading to defections and a fragile political environment that could hamper the electoral process. In Ondo State, the aftermath of the primaries has led to public defections and ongoing disputes, which could escalate as the election approaches.”

According to Adebayo, both states have a worrying history of political violence, criminal activities, kidnappings and communal conflict, which could jeopardize the security of the election environment.

“Despite high levels of political engagement, many citizens still lack essential election knowledge, increasing the risk of misinformation and misunderstandings,” he added.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Affairs, Sharafadeen Alli, commended the KDI report, acknowledging that it would assist key electoral stakeholders, particularly INEC, in planning effectively for efficient service delivery.