The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Yakubu, has been accused of nonchalance towards the possibility of election postponement, cancellation, or inconclusive election, which could trigger anarchy in the country.
In an article published in Vanguard in December 2022, a Nigerian journalist and author, Dele Sobowale, had warned that INEC might not be honest about the readiness for the 2023 presidential election, and the consequences could be dire. He cited the issue of security of materials and men, and the need for military escorts to drive into the nation’s most dangerous points, and armed men to protect the materials. Sobowale’s prediction was based on INEC’s request for 100,000 vehicles and as many drivers and assistants in late December 2022, which he believed was impossible to achieve in such a short time.
INEC’s recent statement about the possibility of postponing or canceling elections due to insecurity has increased fears about the credibility of the elections. INEC reportedly said, “Moreover, if insecurity is not monitored and dealt with decisively, it could ultimately culminate in the cancellation and/or postponement of elections in sufficient constituencies to hinder declaration of elections results and precipitate constitutional crisis.”
The journalist criticized INEC’s use of “Governmentalese,” a language used by public officials to deceive the public, and said that the commission had placed before Nigerians the best alibi for a predictably botched election in February.
The journalist also cited the resistance of youth corps members to participate in the election due to security concerns and the rejection of posting by their parents. Sobowale warned that the moment postponement, cancellation, or inconclusive election is announced, the mobs take over, and INEC would lose control.
The journalist called on INEC to take the issue seriously and do everything possible to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
