2023 Polls: Rotary Districts Gets ‘National Election Observer’ Status

Rotary Districts in Nigeria, an Initiative of the Rotary Inter-country Committee of Great Britain and Ireland – Nigeria, has become the first Rotary International entity to be given a National Election Observation status in the world, as Nigeria became the first country in 118 years of Rotary’s existence, where a Rotary entity would be observing their national elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 9th January 2023 accredited Rotary Nigeria National Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Committee and partnering organization (Gray Child Foundation) as an election observation group.

The mission lead, Rotarian Pietro Uzochukwu Macleo recounted the organisation’s activities culminating to the recognition and accreditation of the group by INEC, stating that several grassroot interventions were implemented in partnership with government agencies, international organizations, civil society organizations, etc.

Uzochukwu in a chat with LEADERSHIP said pre-election interventions ranging from the state-to-state grassroot training-of-trainers workshop on peace resiliencies, voter education, and human rights awareness, nationwide peace advocacy walk for violence free 2023 general elections were all part of advocacy programmes in preparation for the national exercise.

He stated that there were several capacity enhancement interventions for members of the Rotary Districts in Nigeria election observers, including the collaborative capacity training for Rotary and Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Election Observers, and pre-election safety and security training amongst others; all in preparation, and to ensure that Rotary and Associates contributed meaningfully to a seamless 2023 general elections.

“Rotary International and Gray Child Foundation are non-political organizations, hence Rotary Districts in Nigeria election observation objectives was to observe the 2023 general elections through the “peace lens”, that is, to ascertain the level of inclusivity, equity and fairness of the process, and report objectively on what was witnessed in the field, and further make relevant recommendations that would improve the democratic processes, national unity and advance positive peace in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In furtherance of the objectives of Activating Positive Peace in Nigeria, and in line with the whole-of-society peacebuilding and proactive conflict prevention approach of Rotary Nigeria National Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention Committee, members of Rotary International (Rotarians) were mobilized nationwide, and successfully participated and observed the 25th February 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the 18th March 2023 Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections in the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria respectively.

According to him, “Tones of humancentric reports were sent in about the electoral processes highlighting the level of peacefulness of the processes, gender inclusivity, accessibility of the polling units for persons living with disability etc.

“This information shall be analyzed, and an articulated report shall be developed and onwardly forwarded to the appropriate Institutions for necessary actions. Rotary Districts in Nigeria participation in the 2023 general elections has nothing but positives, and has further endeared Rotary to the Nigerian people and government. Rotary’s involvement, contributions and recommendations aims to reinforce the eight pillars of positive peace in Nigeria, especially the “Well-functioning government” positive peace pillar. Our report of the 2023 general electoral processes will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and enhance the level of peace in the Country.

He expressed delight that Rotary Districts in Nigeria Election Observation exercise was seamless with remarkable outcomes; noticeably, as it increased Rotary International’s visibility, created awareness and helped deepen trust and collaborative spirit amongst the masses and government; and NO Rotarian was harmed or endangered in the process.

“Congratulations and special thanks to District Governors of Rotary International District 9110 (Rtn. Omotunde Lawson), 9125 (Rtn. Goddy Nnadi), 9141 (Rtn. Mightyman Aye Dikuro) and 9142 (Grace Chiboagui Okaro), and members of the Rotary Inter-country Committee of Great Britain and Ireland – Nigeria, especially Rtn. James Onions and Rtn. Wole Kukoyi for their unwavering support, encouragement and guidance, which ensured the success of this historical intervention.”