TMG lauds INEC, security agencies conduct during Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi guber elections

The Transitional Monitoring Group (TMG) commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all security agencies for demonstrating a high level of professionalism during the Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

TMG Chairman, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafisanjani), expressed his appreciation in the preliminary report on the gubernatorial elections provided to Sunday Tribune. He acknowledged the efficient handling of the election but expressed concern over isolated incidents of violence in a few polling units across the three states.

According to reports from election observers, political thugs were reportedly killed by the military in Ayingba and Idah town in Ida LGA of Kogi State. The TMG also expressed displeasure over incidents of vote trading during the off-cycle elections, citing instances where desperate politicians were observed offering cash gifts ranging from N5,000 to N30,000, food items, and clothing materials in some polling units.

The statement released by TMG revealed that observers across Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi reported a slow start to the opening of polls in the observed units, with most units opening between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Accreditation and voting commenced without significant issues, with most polling units starting around 9:00 am.

Regarding the deployment of materials and staff, TMG observers reported the timely arrival of materials and INEC officials, generally between 8:00 am and 8:30 am in most observed polling units.

Concerning the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the TMG noted its effective deployment across polling units in the three states, allowing for the identification and accreditation of voters through fingerprints and facial recognition.

In assessing the neutrality of security officials, TMG observers reported professional conduct, with security personnel from various agencies conducting themselves in a civil and professional manner.

The report also highlighted a low turnout of People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) across the three states, despite the availability of assistive materials. Observers noted the absence of ramps in most polling units, hindering the ease of movement for the physically challenged. PWDs and the elderly were given voting preferences at observed polling units.

TMG Observers reported higher voter turnout in Kogi and Imo states, with hundreds of voters seen in queues in various LGAs. However, Bayelsa state experienced low turnout due to poor weather conditions, difficult terrain, logistical issues, and voter apathy in some polling units.

The TMG Observers also reported the presence of major political party agents, mainly representatives of APC, PDP, Labour Party, and SDP, in most of the observed polling units across the three states.”