By Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. As the Independent National Electoral Commission is preparing to conduct elections in three States of Kogi in the North Central ,Imo in the South East and Bayelsa in the South South geo-Political, more than five million voters are expected to decide who will be the next governors of three States.
Statistic from INEC shows that there are 1,056 862 registered voters in Bayelsa State ,2,419,922 in Imo state and ,1,932,654 in Kogi State.Making a combined total of 5,409,438 registered voters for the three state
Governor of Bayelsa which is under the main opposition Party, People’s Democratic party – PDP and that of Imo state who is the ruling party governor APC are seeking reelection to serve a second term while Kogi State which is controlled by APC is to elect a new governor.
The electoral body data also indicated that 18 Political Parties are fielding candidates in Kogi,17 in Imo and 16 in Bayelsa state.It also shows that two Political parties are fielding female candidates in Bayelsa State ,one Kogi and none in Imo state.
Preparation for the Off –circle election
As part of the preparation for the election in three States the electoral body has accredited election observers.
Olumekun is the INEC National commissioner and chairman of its Information and voter education Committee.He said the commission has accredited 119 domestic and eight foreign observers for the November 11 governorship elections.
The Foreign observers include the British High Commission, European Union, High Commission of Canada, International Foundation for Electoral Systems, National Democratic Institute, Pan African Women Projects, United States Embassy, Abuja, and African Union Development Agency.
Some of the domestic observers include the Center for Citizens with Disability, the National Orientation Agency, the YIAGA African Initiative, the Police Service Commission, Human Life Protection Advocacy Initiative, among others
Security challenges ahead of the Governorship polls
INEC chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu lamented over the poor security situation in the country and with particular reference to the states that the off -season election is going to take place.
The electoral body chairman stated this recently in Abuja while having a meeting with Political Parties leaders.
“As electioneering campaigns continue to intensify, the Commission reiterates its concern about the spate of violence in the three States involving parties and candidates. I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace.
After all, elections are a process involving human beings as voters, election officials, observers, and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us. While we will continue to work with the security agencies in this regard, political parties acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also have an obligation to impress on their members, candidates, and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession. I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond.”Professor Yakubu said
Yabagi Sani is the Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman (IPAC) Urged the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to take advantage of the forthcoming off-circle governorship elections in Kogi,Imo and Bayelsa to restore the voters confidence in the electoral process.
Yabagi made the call at a stakeholders meeting with INEC in Abuja recently as part of preparation for the 11th November governorship poll in three States.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council which is an umbrella of all Political parties in the country also reiterated its readiness to work with the electoral body,security agencies and election observers to ensure hitch free polls in Kogi,Enugu,and Bayelsa.
Nigerian witches Wizards predicted the outcomes of the elections
In the lead -up to the upcoming governorship elections in Imo ,Kogi, and Bayelsa States,the White Witches and Wizards of Nigeria have made predictions regarding the outcomes of the gubernatorial polls scheduled for November 2023.
Okhue Iboi, is the spokesperson of the group.He shared their insights with the media over the weekend while delivering a cautionary message to political figures in the running .
He issued a warning to the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma of All Progressives Congress (APC).Dino Melaye, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Kogi, and Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Bayelsa , urging them to take heed of wise counsel to avoid losing their respective elections on November 11.
Ibo’s analysis suggests that in Imo ,the main contenders will be Athan Achonu from the Labour Party (LP).and Samuel Anyanwu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the earlier speculation that Governor Uzodinma’s incumbency might give him an advantage. He also urged security forces to enhance security measures in the politically charged and volatile state to prevent potential violence during the election.
“When we convened to assess the three off-cycle governorship elections, we scrutinized all the political parties and their candidates, evaluating their chances of winning. It was evident that Governor Uzodinma faces significant unpopularity among his constituents. His tenure began due to legal technicalities rather than popular support, leading to him being mockingly referred to as the Supreme Court Governor. The ongoing violence in the state further complicates his position as his people perceive him as a sponsor of the Unknown Gunmen (UGM) responsible for the violence and property destruction. Unfortunately, this is the unsettling reality we observed in our deliberations.” He explained.
In Kogi, the White Witches suggested that the election would be a contest between Murtala Ajaka from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dino Melaye from the PDP, emphasizing that Governor Yahaya Bello’s failure to field his deputy as his successor had already cost him support.
“The SDP stands as strong as the APC and the PDP in the state. However, Governor Yahaya Bello appears to have sabotaged his own prospects by ignoring advice against fielding his deputy. This decision will likely result in a loss for him in the election. We predict some level of violence in Kogi, but Bello will still not secure victory. As for Dino Melaye, his stubbornness and arrogance might lead to his downfall. We have invited him for strategic discussions, but his pride could be his undoing. If he ignores our advice, the election outcome may come as a shock to him.” the group claimed
Regarding the Bayelsa poll, Iboi suggested that Timipre Sylva’s chances were bleak. As previously predicted, he faced setbacks in securing the APC candidacy. Now, he is battling to maintain his candidacy, which was contested in court. If he manages to regain it, our forecast doesn’t foresee him making substantial progress in the election,” The Witches spokesperson added.
How ever as the National Independent Electoral Commission(INEC) has complain about the security conditions int in the country and the situation in the three states as lamented by both Political Parties through Inter-Party Advisory Council and reaffirmed by the group of White Witches and Wizards who are traditional people that are living in the grass root with masses that form the majority of voters,there is need for security agencies to be well prepared for the challenges ahead.
Voters have to be very vigilant in voting who will be their next governors to avoid repeating the mistake of choosing the wrong person to govern them for the next four years.
Another thing to consider and avoid by electorates is vote selling and buying as the elections in Nigeria are characterized by such menace as one of the means for malpractice
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