Ensure security at every polling unit — Actress Omalicha Elom tells INEC

The much-anticipated 2019 Nigeria’s Presidential and National Assembly elections might have come and gone but they seem to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of some Nigerians.

For instance, actress and filmmaker, Omalicha Elom, is utterly disappointed at the country’s electoral system.

“Honestly speaking, I was expecting a very free and fair election, if not better than what we had in 2015 during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

“I had expected that INEC would have worked on their mistakes and moreover, President Buhari also threatened those who planned to cart away ballot boxes. Coming from a former military president, Nigerians felt assured of their safety.

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“But what did we witness? Here in Lagos, it was a show of shame and embarrassment. Violence was the order of the day. Thugs armed with cutlasses, machetes and broken bottles in great numbers causing mayhem at polling booths even in the presence of uniformed policemen.

“Intimidation was not left out too; people were asked to return to their homes if they were voting for the opposition party. What do you expect from such an election if they were not allowed to exercise their right? Rigging of course,” she lamented to Inside Nollywood.”

And speaking about today’s polls, Elom urged the electoral body to always ensure maximum security at all polling booths.

“I guess Nigerians thought the election would go smooth just like we had it in 2015. But from what happened, it is clear that we do have a long way to go when it comes to conducting a free and fair election. For our politicians, it is a do or die affair. I expect more from them next time. They can do better,” she said.