Presidential, NASS Elections Fell Below Standard – CSO

A civil society organisation, Green Assembly (GA) has said the conduct of the just concluded 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections fell below standard.

The CSO said the polls were not fair, credible and do not reflect what democracy is all about.

The national secretary, Comrade Duke Alamboye, who stated this during a press briefing in Abuja maintained that the foregoing electoral anomalies, if not addressed, may spell doom for the next administration.

Alamboye also called on all Nigerians to lend their voices against injustice and any move that could hamper democracy in Nigeria.

Stating that the elections were marred with many irregularities spawning: voter intimidations, gross electoral practices, and breach of the Electoral Act, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to as a matter of urgency correct its wrongs.

He said: “It is deeply concerning that in this day and age when democracy is supposed to be at its peak, we are still experiencing instances of gross electoral malpractices, voter intimidation, and results manipulation.

“This is unacceptable and goes against the very principles of democracy that our nation stands for and INEC’s electoral guidelines. The consequences of unfair and not credible elections cannot be overstated. It undermines the faith and trust of the people in the democratic process and threatens the very fabric of our society; as many youths who came out for the first time en masse to vote have been greatly disappointed and are threatening not to be part of the electoral processes.

“It is for this reason that we must take this matter very seriously and ensure that justice is served and seen to be served.”

He also called on the President, INEC chairman, the Commission executives, and all leaders, both political and non-political, to put aside their interests and work together to find a solution to the problem.

Alamboye said Nigerians deserve better than what they have been given at the moment.

“They deserve a government that is truly representative of their wishes and desires; let whoever wins win fairly, credibly.

“We cannot let the will of the people be subverted by those who seek to gain power through dishonest and wicked means. We must take steps to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, fair, and credible; for which the just concluded Presidential election results need to be reviewed based on the very glaring irregularities and daylight robberies.

“In conclusion, we urge all of us to work together towards a better future for our nation. We must all stand up for the principles of democracy and ensure that justice is done.”

He urged Nigerians not to be divided by the outcome of an election, but rather come together as one people to build a brighter future for the nation and the next generations.