Observers’ suppression, harassment characterise 18 March Nigeria gubernatorial election – CJID

Election observers are essential in ensuring quality and transparent electoral processes. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said “The progressive improvement in our electoral democracy since 1999 draws in part from the reports of observers and the study tours”. Despite their important roles, election observers in Nigeria face harassment and assaults while carrying out their duty.

In the preparation for the 18 March gubernatorial elections in Nigeria, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) deployed 56 observers across 31 states. In the course of undertaking their duty, some were victims of abuse from various actors. Among other forms of assault, some of them were detained, beaten, threatened or had their phones seized.

One of the observers, Abiodun Jamiu, was attacked at polling unit 11, Garba Garba ward, of the Bodinga local government in Sokoto State. This incident took place at about 10 a.m….