Musa Na Allah Sokoto
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations who were in Sokoto to monitor the Saturday 21st September Sokoto local government election has said that the State Independent Election Commission (SIEC) has made adequate preparation for the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible local government election in the state.
The groups under the leadership of Mr. Emeh Friday at a press conference held on Friday at Sokoto stated that In line with its vision to organize, undertake, and supervise all elections in the twenty-three (23) Local Government Councils in Sokoto State and in pursuant of Schedule 4, Section 1 subsection 1 of the SOSIEC Law 2011 (as amended) the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission (SOSIEC) under the able leadership of Aliyu Suleiman announced 21 September 2024 for the conduct of Local Government Elections in the State and sent notification and time table for the elections to political and other stakeholders in the state.
“Our team was pleased to observe that the usual security apprehension and violence that Sokoto State has been associated with for decades ahead of any elections has vanished. Kudos to the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Command under CP Ahmed Musa, other Security Agents in the State, and the State Government that have also shown sincere commitment in fighting crime, in the state.” Friday said.
“Our team at a courtesy visit to the Sokoto State Police command, received assurances from the Police and other security Agents that there will be a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and even after the elections”.
“It’s unfortunate and very worrisome that less than 25% of voters determine the winner(s) in our elections as a country and we seem to be comfortable with this ugly trend including the nation’s election umpire; INEC”.
The SOSIEC Management team constitutes experienced and reputable men and women of outstanding record led by Aliyu Suleiman and has resolved to change the negative trend by committing to Voter education, mobilization, and sensitization aimed at encouraging voter participation in the elections.
The groups observed that the peaceful political atmosphere, and peaceful campaign among political parties/candidates and their supporters, is already clear and we are hopeful that voter participation in the election will increase compared to other elections conducted in the past.
“In our meeting with the SOSIEC management, we were briefed on their last minute preparations ahead of the Saturday elections, we are glad to note that,
SOSIEC is resolute and committed to conducting credible, free, fair, and transparent Local Government Elections in Sokoto state.”
“SOSIEC has to the best of our observations as civil society groups, provided a level-playing ground for all participating political parties as they have all been carried along in all SOSIEC activities and programmes ahead of the elections.”
“Our team inspected the distribution of election materials, especially the non-sensitive material, and the sorting of the sensitive election materials under the watchful eyes of political party Agents, the media, and the Security Agents.
“We are pleased to observe that the State Government provided all the necessary logistics support to SOSIEC for credible, transparent free, and fair elections without any interference on their operations and activities.
“It’s a collective responsibility by all political stakeholders. Political parties, in particular, should also engage in serious voters’ mobilization, sensitization, and education as part of their campaign strategy.
“Election is not a do-or-die affair, politicians should therefore approach it with a high level of civility and patriotism. They should always see themselves as part of the society they want to lead and must not destroy it with their ambition to lead or rule by all means.”
Election Management Bodies should engage reputable and reliable civil society groups especially Community-Based Organizations in intensive civic voter mobilization and education on the need for voters’ participation in elections while guaranteeing that their votes count.
The groups urged that traditional rulers should be neutral, unbiased, and independent even as they exercise their right to vote for a candidate of their choice as an individual, not as an institution. They should also desist from anointing candidates and coaxing their subjects to toe their line of choice.
“Accredited observer groups’ reports should be considered and regarded as a true reflection of the outcome of the election even in the events of litigation, while also urging that such report must be neutral, unbiased and independent.
We condemn the growing culture of political parties boycotting or threatening to boycott Local Government Elections which is not healthy for our growing democracy, especially at the grassroots.”
“We appreciate the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission under the leadership of Aliyu Suleiman for remaining resolute and committed to ensuring credible, transparent free, and fair elections in the State and for remaining neutral and fair to all participating political parties”.
“We also commend the State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu for his patriotism and respect to the constitution by ensuring that Local Government Election is conducted in the State as at when due”.
“We also the Governor’s public standing order that if anything goes wrong during the elections, the SOSIEC Chairman and his team should be held responsible, that’s a strong show of his administration’s commitment to ensuring credible, transparent free, fair, and peaceful elections not minding who wins the election.
“We encourage the growing upcoming political parties participating in the election not to be intimidated by the so-called money bags parties candidates, Local Government Election is a community election determined by integrity and commitment to community services and development.”
