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ARC->Election News
Nigerians came out in large numbers, 19 April, 2003, to vote for the Presidential and Gubernatorial candidates of their choice. Braving heavy downpours in parts of the South and scorching heat in the North, the voters made history in what is turning out to be Nigeria’s first peaceful transition from civilian to civilian rule. In 1983 a similar transition was, however, beset by a state of chaos that set the stage for a military takeover.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a combination of army, police and other security agents deserve commendation for the remarkable manner in which they were able to maintain peace and orderliness throughout the process.
There were some incidents of misconduct and violent partisan clashes, which, however, were isolated and marginal. Some of the most notorious cases took place in Oyo State where 142 people were arrested for electoral malpractices, including a former military administrator of the State, a serving Commissioner and a Special Adviser to the Governor. Arrests also took place in Yobe, Adamawa, Ogun, Osun and Gombe States for malpractices that ranged from the offer of bribes at polling centres to attempts by INEC officials to divert ballot boxes.
Other scattered cases of distraction, which, however, did not mar the smooth electoral process, came in the form of boycotts in Enugu and Ebonyi States, brief clashes between All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and People’s Democracy Party (PDP) supporters in Rivers State and the occasional late arrival of voting materials at some polling centres.
In spite of rare chaotic incidents, the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections witnessed a massive turnout of voters, and were largely administered in a peaceful, smooth, fair and well-organised manner. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and States like Zamfara, Kano and Akwa Ibom, among others, demonstrated exemplary orderly conduct during the elections. The type of extreme disorder and violence that occurred during the 12 April Assembly elections in States like Edo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom were virtually nonexistent during the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections.
In all, Nigerian voters were able to exercise their civic responsibilities in an atmosphere of calm, freedom and security.
© Copyright 2005 nigeriafirst.org
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