Electoral Violence and Intimidation: Falana Writes INEC and Police to Probe Kogi LG Chairman

Strategic Insights -

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has written to the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate a video showing the Kogi Local Government Chairman, Joseph Omuya Salami, destroying electoral materials and intimidating INEC officials during the February 25, 2023 election. The video, which has been trending, shows Omuya tearing ballot papers and intimidating voters in favor of the PDP senatorial candidate, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. Falana described the conduct of Omuya as criminal and in contravention of the Electoral Act, 2022, and attached a tape of the incident to facilitate the investigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kogi Local Government Chairman, Joseph Omuya Salami, was filmed destroying electoral materials and intimidating INEC officials during the February 25, 2023 election.
  • The incident was captured on camera by polling agents of the PDP senatorial candidate, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who were able to record Omuya's criminal activities at various polling units in Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi State.
  • Falana described Omuya's conduct as contradictory to sections 115(1) (f) and (j), 125 and 126(1) (j) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which are punishable under section 125 and 126(3) (4) of the Electoral Act 2022.
  • The lawyer attached a tape of the incident to facilitate an investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and INEC.
  • The incident constitutes a grave offense under the Electoral Act, 2022, and Falana has requested the authorities to investigate the matter promptly.

Statistics:

  • February 25, 2023: The date of the Presidential and National Assembly elections wherein the incident occurred.
  • 25th February's 2023: The date of the election in which Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan contested for the position of Senate to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District.
  • 12 noon and 2 pm: The time period during which Omuya was filmed destroying ballot boxes and intimidating voters.
  • 034: The polling unit code where Omuya was filmed tearing ballot papers.
  • 033: The polling unit code where Omuya was filmed destroying polling materials and ballot papers.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana, SAN - In a letter to INEC and the Nigerian Police Force.