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Rebecca Maimato speaks on behalf of INEC accredited Observers
By Akanji Olowolodu, Bauchi
A group of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited observers has alleged that the March 18, 2023 Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Bauchi State were characterized by vote-buying, over-voting and violence.
Addressing Journalists at Yimir Hotel, Bauchi on Wednesday, the Observers, led by the Centre for Child Care and Youth Development, adjudged the elections to be below electoral standard practice and the standard of the INEC Electoral Act.
Represented by Rebecca Maimato, the Observers alleged that irregularities and malpractices trailed the elections in many local government areas of the state.
Rebecca Maimato called on INEC to visit the areas where widespread irregularities and malpractices were recorded during the election.
According to her, “From our observation for instance, in Alkaleri ballot papers used were not carrying the official stamp. We also observed that pre thumb printing of ballot papers occurred before the commencement of voting.There were cases where over voting and vote buying were widespread and observed.”
She alleged that, “In Warji local government, a commissioner was alleged to have shot sporadically to scare voters away to enable over voting and vote buying. This was also recorded and the video can be verified.”
She further alleged that, “In kirfi there were cases of over voting and violence, especially in Kafin Iya and Bara wards. In Bauchi Local Government we observed that in Birshi Miri wards there were cass of over voting and vote buying.”
The Observers added that, “In Toro ward a viral video showed a local government Chairman was sharing N2000 notes to
voters on the cue which can be verified.”
“This is a summary of the irregularities observed in the election. We therefore recommend that INEC as a matter of urgency looked into the just concluded Bauchi State elections characterized by so much irregularities,” She called.
Rebecca Maimato concluded saying, “This is a major set back to Nigeria’s democracy. Secondly we recommend that INEC should critically visit the issue of vote buying, results sheets alterations and malpractices in the entire Bauchi State elections for immediate prosecution. INEC should ensure that LG with election irregularities and malpractices are cancelled.”
