A Test of Nigeria’s Democratic Credibility
The Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23, 2019, represented a major test of Nigeria’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
As an accredited observer group by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Orient Foundation for Social Justice and Civic Education deployed trained observers across several states — particularly in the South East, as well as in Rivers, Delta, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — to assess the conduct of election personnel, voter participation, security presence, and overall electoral integrity.
Arrival and Preparedness of INEC Personnel
Reports from Orient Foundation observers indicated that in most polling units, INEC officials arrived early, especially in Enugu, where some officials even slept overnight at their designated locations with police escorts. Polling commenced promptly in many areas, with accreditation and voting processes well coordinated and materials adequately supplied.
However, delays were also noted:
- In Trans-Ekulu Phase 6, Enugu North, INEC officials were absent as late as 9:00 a.m.
- In Awka South and Onitsha North LGAs (Anambra State), polling began late — around 11:00 a.m. — largely due to card reader malfunctions.
- In Imo State, polling unit 006 in Isiala-Mbano had no INEC presence by 11:30 a.m.
- In Rivers State, officials at Ward 7, Rumuokoro, arrived at 10:15 a.m., delayed by late dispatch of materials.
Overall, about 30% of polling units in Anambra State experienced late starts due to logistical challenges and equipment failure.
Process and Conduct of INEC Officials
Observers noted that many INEC staff performed their duties transparently and competently, demonstrating a solid understanding of the process. Accreditation, voting, and counting were generally orderly.
However, isolated incidents of complicity and malpractice were reported in some locations — including double voting, vote buying, and proxy voting. There were also administrative inconsistencies:
- In Awknanaw Ward II (Enugu), presiding officers refused to accredit voters who arrived before the official cutoff time, violating the Electoral Act.
- At several polling units, voting booths were poorly positioned, compromising the secrecy of the ballot.
- In some locations, elections were conducted without smart card readers, leading to cancellation of results.
Smart Card Reader Functionality
The introduction of the smart card reader was designed to enhance transparency. However, frequent technical failures disrupted the process in many areas.
When the machines malfunctioned, some polling officers resorted to manual accreditation using voter registers — a violation of INEC’s guidelines, resulting in cancelled results.
Reported malfunctioning locations included:
- Ugbo-Odogwu Primary School, Enugu (PU 015)
- Aguoka Ward, Anambra State (PU 008)
- Amawbia Ward 2, Awka South LGA (PU 001)
- Wuse Zone 3 and Tudun Wada, Abuja (PU 009 and PU 001)
- Otiogbata, Uga Ward 2 (PUs 014 & 015)
Polling units that used manual accreditation in Igboukwu, Uga, and Umuchu Wards in Anambra had their results cancelled.
Voter Turnout and Understanding of the Process
Voter turnout was relatively low, with less than 40% of registered voters participating across the South East, Rivers, and Delta States. Despite this, voters who turned out were generally peaceful and well-informed, demonstrating familiarity with the procedures — a sign of progress in civic education and voter enlightenment.
Voter Intimidation, Bribery, and Vote Buying
The level of voter intimidation varied across states:
- No major incidents were reported in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, and the FCT.
- Anambra North, Imo, Rivers, Delta, and Lagos recorded cases of intimidation and violence.
In most locations in Enugu, Delta, and Abuja, no monetary inducements were observed, and voters appeared to make independent choices. However, isolated cases of vote buying were reported in Ekwusigo LGA (Anambra State), where agents of APGA, YPP, and PDP were seen distributing cash to voters.
Despite these issues, party agents across most polling units displayed restraint and professionalism, adhering largely to INEC guidelines.
Incidents of Electoral Violence
While most areas were peaceful, some experienced severe disruptions:
- Ago Palace Way, Lagos: Thugs on motorcycles attacked voters, and ballot boxes were set ablaze.
- Ogbaru LGA, Anambra: Violence in Ogbe-Ukwu and Ogbe-Etiti polling units led to suspension of voting.
- Rivers State (Emolga Ward 1): Thugs hijacked materials and assaulted party agents.
- Okpoko Ward VI (Ogbaru LGA): Ballot boxes were snatched and carted away, resulting in no results from several polling units.
These incidents underscore persistent challenges in election-day security management.
Security Presence and Conduct
Security deployment was adequate and multi-agency, involving the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, FRSC, Immigration Service, and others. Most polling units had at least two officers present, and voters generally felt safe.
Observers rated the conduct of security personnel in Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia, and Delta as commendable, though some officers in Anambra, Rivers, Imo, and Lagos were reportedly partial or complicit in irregularities.
In certain flashpoints, security agents were overpowered by armed thugs, particularly in Rivers and Lagos, where shootings, ballot snatching, and attacks on INEC officials were recorded.
Security Threats and Reported Fatalities
In some areas — particularly Rivers, Lagos, and Anambra — elections were disrupted by violent attacks.
- In Rivers State, political thugs fired shots to disperse voters and carted away materials, holding corps members hostage before their release.
- In Enugu State, there were unconfirmed reports of corps members being attacked and assaulted en route to polling locations.
- Fatal clashes were reported in Ebonyi and Rivers, with at least two deaths and several injuries.
Despite these isolated incidents, 80% of observed areas remained peaceful, thanks to strong security presence.
Announcement and Posting of Results
According to INEC regulations, results should be announced and posted at each polling unit. However, Orient Foundation observers recorded only about 3% compliance nationwide.
While votes were generally counted publicly, results were not displayed in many units, especially those affected by disruptions — a major lapse in transparency.
INEC’s Result Collation and Credibility Concerns
INEC took three days to collate and announce the presidential and National Assembly results, raising public concern about delays and discrepancies.
Observers reported inconsistencies between announced results and those posted at polling units and collation centers, undermining public confidence.
In Imo State, for instance, the presence of the incumbent governor at the collation center raised suspicion of undue influence. Allegations circulated online that INEC officials were coerced into altering results — a claim that, if true, highlights systemic vulnerabilities.
The lack of centralized transparency, absence of data on cancelled or unopened polling units, and non-disclosure of smart card reader reports weakened public trust in the process.
Conclusion
The Presidential and National Assembly Elections showcased both progress and persistent flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Positives:
- Early deployment and improved coordination in several locations.
- Increased professionalism by security agents.
- Voters’ improved understanding of the process.
Negatives:
- Card reader malfunctions and administrative lapses.
- Late arrivals and inconsistent result posting.
- Vote buying, intimidation, and violence in some states.
- Limited transparency by INEC in result collation and data sharing.
Orient Foundation’s Position
The Orient Foundation for Social Justice and Civic Education calls for:
- Enhanced INEC transparency in result management and reporting.
- Mandatory publication of polling unit-level results immediately after counting.
- Robust security reforms to prevent violence and protect election officials.
- Stronger sanctions against vote buying and electoral malpractice.
- Continuous voter education to deepen democratic participation.
Nigeria’s democracy will only thrive when elections reflect the true will of the people — conducted with integrity, fairness, and full accountability.
