Kano, Rivers Elections: CISLAC, TMG Express Concern over Absence of Major Parties

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have raised concerns over voter apathy, logistical shortcomings, and alleged political interference in elections conducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, and Kano states.

In a statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of TMG, the groups described the elections as largely peaceful in most polling units but said significant challenges were recorded across the affected states.

CISLAC and TMG observers warned that Nigerians are gradually losing trust in the electoral process. According to them, when citizens no longer turn out to vote, “it is no longer an election but a selection,” a trend they described as dangerous for democratic governance.

The statement noted that voter turnout was generally low, with many polling units recording poor participation. In some locations, observers reported that as few as 10 voters cast their ballots throughout the day.

The groups cautioned that persistent voter apathy poses a serious threat to democratic participation and public confidence in elections.

Monitoring teams from TAF Africa, formerly The Albino Foundation, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities reported accessibility challenges for persons with disabilities. Despite assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), physical access remained a major barrier in several areas.

“In rural FCT councils such as Kwali and Abaji, polling units were reportedly located in places inaccessible to wheelchair users. Observers called for a comprehensive audit of INEC’s assistive tools, noting that magnifying glasses and Braille posters were missing in more than 60 per cent of the polling units observed.

The groups highlighted logistical challenges that delayed the commencement of voting, particularly within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, where late deployment of personnel and election materials resulted in several polling units opening behind schedule.

They also raised concerns about alleged voter suppression targeting women in high-density areas. According to observers, economic intimidation was used in some communities to discourage women from joining queues, further widening the gender participation gap.

CISLAC and TMG said the elections should serve as an early warning for future general elections and urged INEC to address the logistical weaknesses identified. They called for improved systems to guarantee early deployment of materials and the prompt start of voting in subsequent polls.

The statement accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of allegedly interfering in the FCT Area Council elections by appearing at multiple polling units across Abuja.

The groups described his presence as inappropriate and potentially undermining the credibility of the process, noting that he is not a registered voter in the FCT and holds no constitutional role in the conduct of elections.

They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all public officials comply strictly with the law and refrain from actions that could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

According to the groups, failure to address such concerns may weaken both domestic and international confidence in the credibility of future elections.

CISLAC and TMG further reiterated their opposition to the curfew imposed before the polls, arguing that it may have suppressed voter participation.

“Observers reported that the relocation of certain polling units without adequate and timely communication created confusion among voters and may have led to disenfranchisement. Incidents of vote buying were also observed in some areas, underscoring the continued vulnerability of the electoral process to monetary inducement.

While in Rivers State, the groups called for what they described as a security siege to be lifted, alleging that heavy militarisation of local government areas may have discouraged participation, particularly among women, who traditionally make up a significant portion of early morning voters.

“In Kano and Rivers states, CISLAC and TMG expressed concern over the absence of major political parties from the ballot in bye-elections conducted by INEC. While the commission has yet to publicly explain the situation, affected parties have alleged that they were denied the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights.

The groups described as suspicious and unusual the absence of key opposition parties from the ballot in Kano, noting that major parties are rarely missing from elections in the state. They urged INEC to provide a clear explanation to avoid perceptions of deliberate exclusion.

“In Kano, the Centre for Information Technology and Development, through its gender desk, criticised what it described as the complete absence of women in the leadership of newly elected local government councils. The organisation said the outcome, including a sweep by the ruling party, failed to reflect the state’s gender diversity and represented a setback for the 35 per cent affirmative action goal.

CISLAC and TMG also flagged disruptions to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, known as IReV, which was reportedly inaccessible while collation of results was ongoing. The groups urged INEC officials to conduct the collation and declaration of results with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism.

They also called on security agencies to ensure that their personnel maintain strict impartiality, particularly at collation centres and other sensitive stages of the electoral process.

CISLAC and TMG reiterated their commitment to strengthening electoral reforms, promoting transparency, and deepening democratic accountability across Nigeria.