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Elections

Chaos and Violence Mar By-Elections Across 12 States

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Confusion and violence marred the by-elections held in 16 constituencies across 12 states in the country, with allegations of vote-buying and threats of cancellation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted elections in two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies, following the resignation or death of serving members of national and state Houses of Assembly.

Key Takeaways:

  • The by-elections were characterized by violence, arrests of PDP leaders, INEC officials, and 288 thugs in Ogun, Kano, and Kaduna states.
  • The PDP alleged foul play and intimidation, calling for the cancellation of the by-elections in Kano State.
  • The security operatives arrested a suspected vote buyer with cash totaling N25,963,000 in Kaduna metropolis.
  • The candidate of the ADC for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, claimed that voters were approached with offers of money and other incentives in exchange for their votes.
  • Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State expressed concerns over the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the ongoing by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District.
  • The ruling APGA in Anambra State was accused of vote buying in Nnewi South, Nnewi North, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo LGAs.

Statistics:

  • 288 thugs were arrested in Kano State during the by-elections.
  • N25,963,000 was recovered from a suspected vote buyer in Kaduna metropolis.
  • The BVAS machines deployed by INEC were causing unnecessary delay in Edo Central Senatorial District.
  • 16 constituencies held by-elections across 12 states in the country.

Sources:

  • This Day, January 2024 (date not explicit in the original text)
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allafrica.com)
  • Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • African Democratic Congress (ADC)
  • Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
  • All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

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