2023: AUDA-NEPAD Raises Concern Over Election Violence

Ahead of the forthcoming general election, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has noted the tension pervading the country, saying that it is a cause for great concern.
The chief executive of AUDA-NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu, who made the observation yesterday in Abuja, said if the concerns are left unchecked and unmanaged with all seriousness, it will result in fraud, vote-buying, and other varieties of electoral manipulation.
According to her, there is a need to take quick action against such planned activities by some people who do not want the success of the general election, adding that election violence is inimical to democracy and efforts must be made to combat it.
“Election violence induces fear of physical injury and actual loss of life, resulting in psychological effects on individuals and society which are resultant impacts expected from fraud, vote-buying and other varieties of electoral manipulation.
“The Second Country Report of the Federal Republic of Nigeria strongly recommended the need for collaborative efforts in addressing challenges escalating conflicts and violence in the country through early warning mechanisms which includes advocacy, negotiation, and sensitization.
“Notably, electoral violence has been a reoccurring problem and threat to achieving democracy and good governance in Nigeria and Africa at large. This challenge is inimical to democracy and efforts must be made to combat it.
“The African Union has recently expressed serious concern in elections and political transitions which often posed serious threats to the unity and stability of member states and Nigeria inclusive.
“The overall objective of the sensitization and advocacy is to create awareness through workshops and road shows on the management of democracy and build a positive mindset in the electoral process which includes voter’s education, civic rights, new voting technologies, prevention of electoral crisis, pre and post-electoral crisis management,” she said.
Akobundu further noted that Nigeria has earned high commendations for best practices worthy of emulation in areas such as electoral reform, pension reform, tax law reform, digitalisation of performance management systems, judiciary reform, fight against corruption and combating illicit financial flows amongst others.
“This encouragement will further strengthen service delivery for a better tomorrow. Therefore, we must steer the course and continue on this pathway to a peaceful, secure, and more democratic Nigeria,” she said.