Residents of Kogi state have expressed fear over possible violence and electoral malpractice during the election scheduled for November 11.
Speaking to WikkiTimes, Joel Issac, a resident of Dekina Local Government, said the state has started experiencing pre-election violence in some parts of the state, especially in the eastern senatorial district.
Issac also predicted voter apathy in rural areas in some parts of the state due to the clashes occurring ahead of the election.
“We are currently experiencing pre-election violence in some parts of the state. Another experience we may have on the day is voter apathy; in some parts of the state especially in the rural areas, this is related to the current pre-election violence going on in some part of the state”
“Insecurity can’t be ruled out because the battle for the number one seat will be keenly contested, it is more or less a clash of the titans” he added “Lives and properties are being threatened, a clear indication that the election may be fully marred with insecurities and irregularities”
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Another source who pleaded anonymity identified Dekina local government of the state as a flash point where thuggery is very common weeks before the election.
“Dekina is rated as one of the most notorious areas. The election has not yet approached, but more than 10 people suspected to be political thugs died” he lamented
In 2019, Yiaga Africa stated that political candidates gave financial inducements to voters in some local governments of the state. which the widespread inducement to electoral officials and security agents.
“The group reported cases of voters bypassing accreditation as card readers were not used for verifying or authenticating the PVCs and fingerprints of some voters. This happened to at least four voters in PU 010 of Ward 01 (Ankpa Township Ward) in Ankpa LGA.
“Also, unknown men and party agents were seen attacking and intimidating voters in polling units of LGAs in each of Dekina (PU 017, Ward 12 and PU 001 Yashi), Lokoja (PU 001, Ward C), Ofu (PU 005, Ugwalawo Ward), Ankpa (Ojokwu ward 3) and Igalamela/Odolu (PU 022, Ward 08) LGA” the report reads.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, when contacted said, that at the moment the commissioner was having a meeting with DPOs in the state and as such, he would call back later.
“We are even in a meeting now. The commissioner of police is also addressing the officers for the preparation” he added “Just give me some time. I will get back to you” he said
The PPRO neither called back nor did he respond to further phone calls and text messages sent to him at press time.
Voters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa will go to the polling centres to vote for the new governors for their respective states on November 11.
