HURIWA urges INEC to restore public trust in Edo gubernatorial election

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024, is conducted fairly, transparently, and peacefully.

HURIWA emphasized that this election presents INEC with a crucial opportunity to redeem its credibility, which has been questioned following controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA stressed that the success of the Edo election is vital for restoring public confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections.

The organization urged INEC to uphold the principles of constitutionalism, ensure transparency at every stage, and avoid manipulation.

The human rights group also appealed to all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace during the election and called on security agencies to remain impartial.

HURIWA noted the recent visit of INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to Edo State as a positive sign of preparedness but warned that strict adherence to electoral integrity is necessary for a successful election.

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“It is imperative that INEC not only declares its intention to conduct a free and fair election but also ensures that every step of the process is open, transparent, and devoid of manipulation.

“The 2023 election ‘sins’ under the current leadership of INEC will be forgiven if Edo and the subsequent Ondo State elections meet the threshold of free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement read.

The human rights organization also called on all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. They stressed that violence, intimidation, or vote-buying would undermine the democratic process and disenfranchise the people of Edo State.

HURIWA also urged security agencies deployed for the election to remain impartial and ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and materials. “The security agencies must avoid taking sides and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves the right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation,” the statement added.

“We have taken notice of worrying reports coming out of Edo and the statement by the Governor of Edo State, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, that the Nigeria Police Force is being weaponized against members of the People’s Democratic Party. We urge the Police to desist from these acts if true; as a partisan police force is inimical to the idea of representative democracy.”

“The current administration, through its body language and overt actions, has shown desperation to foist a one-party state on Nigeria. This has been confirmed by none other than the ‘unelected’ National Chairman of the APC.

“INEC must resist any form of manipulation, coercion, or intimidation from any political party or interest group. The people of Edo State have the constitutional right to choose their leader without external interference,” HURIWA cautioned.