Stakeholders are concerned about a few issues that could influence the elections in February or March as the buildup to the seventh general election since Nigeria’s restoration to democracy in 1999 reaches its peak.
There are concerns that the challenges, including insecurity as well as gasoline and naira scarcity, may have a detrimental impact on voter turnout and interfere with elections if they are not properly addressed.
1. Changing the Naira Note
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN new)’s naira redesign strategy has generated some controversy. In light of the February 10 deadline set by the CBN to phase out the old naira notes of N200, N500, and N1,000, many Nigerians are currently having difficulty withdrawing cash from ATMs and within banking facilities.
Business owners, religious leaders, and leaders in politics have all demanded that the deadline be extended, arguing that the timing of the policy in light of the upcoming elections is incorrect.
President Muhammadu Buhari announced on Friday that he would make a significant decision regarding the naira crisis within a week after meeting with several APC governors.
2. collection of PVC
Numerous INEC-designated locations in the nation’s 774 local government areas have been overrun by hordes of people waiting to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
There are allegations of a low collection rate since a lot of individuals give up after having to wait for hours at the collection centers because of overcrowding. While INEC has extended the PVC collection deadline till February 5, observers have urged the commission to simplify the procedure because they fear that many eligible voters may end up losing their right to vote.
3. Insecurity
It has been suggested that the next elections could be threatened by insecurity in various sections of Nigeria. Candidates who view certain areas as their strongholds may be impacted electorally by this.
Attacks on INEC offices in several regions of the nation, killings in the South East, banditry in the North West, and other security concerns are some examples of these issues. Concerning the country’s deteriorating security and its potential effects on the general elections in 2023, INEC had previously issued a warning.
The panel made a point of noting that, should the security situation not get better, there is a risk that the upcoming elections could be called off or the results will be delayed in many areas of the nation.
If the insecurity is not closely watched and dealt with, it may ultimately result in the suspension and/or postponing of polls in enough constituencies to impede the announcement of election results and trigger a constitutional crisis, the commission had warned.
4. shortage of fuel
Nigerians have been dealing with a persistent fuel shortage since December 2022, which has led to long lines for gasoline and caused many gas stations to mark up their prices over the official pump price. The new development has prompted INEC to issue a warning that it may interfere with election logistics.
When speaking to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers recently, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, remarked that the logistics issue has grown to be a recurring concern in the country of Nigeria’s election administration.
“The commission shares your concern about the fuel situation in the nation and its impact on transportation on election day,” he stated. The truth is that if products are unavailable, our arrangements may suffer.
In conclusion, To ensure the success of the general election in 2023, the government needs to reassure Nigerians that they would keep working with all national institutions.
