Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024, is conducted free, fair, and peacefully, devoid of rigging or malpractices.
HURIWA, in a statement yesterday stated that the credibility of INEC is under scrutiny following the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections. The Edo election, they emphasized, offers the commission an opportunity to redeem its image under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
HURIWA highlighted that the success of the Edo gubernatorial election would significantly impact public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections. The group expressed optimism that if INEC upholds the principles of constitutionalism and ensures transparency, the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections could be mitigated.
National Coordinator, HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said: “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 human rights organisation 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.
HURIWA urged INEC to learn from the past and ensure that the upcoming election in Edo does not suffer from the same issues. “INEC must ensure that the Edo election does not repeat the failures of the 2023 general elections. This is a critical moment for INEC to restore its credibility. Edo and Ondo states are litmus tests for INEC’s future,” the group emphasized.
HURIWA called on INEC to rise to the occasion and deliver an election that will not only reflect the will of the people but also restore faith in Nigeria’s democratic process. The group expressed hope that with the right measures in place, the Edo election could set a new standard for future elections, particularly the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
