Human Rights Watch says the forthcoming general elections will likely face violence just as in the 2019 polls.
The reason, according to HRW, was linked to the inability of President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to address past election-related violence and abuses.
The HRW said in its announcement:
“The elections are set to take place against a backdrop of impunity for abuses by security forces and other actors during the previous general elections in 2019.
According to the human rights watchdog, Nigeria’s elections have historically been fraught with violence and other abuses, however, cited the election of Buhari in 2015, the first transition of power to an opposition party since the country’s democratic transition in 1999, to be largely peaceful.
It said:
“But the 2019 election was marred by violence from security forces, including the army, and thugs acting on behalf of politicians.”
According to the group, this month’s elections faced uncertainty as security forces and other actors who committed various forms of electoral abuses and violence in the last elections have not been punished as stipulated by law.
“There is a thick veil of violence shrouding the 2023 elections that undermines people’s fundamental right to vote.
“It is important for the authorities to swiftly restore public confidence in their ability to hold those responsible for electoral violence accountable and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.”
The group added that there has not been much progress in efforts to get Nigerian authorities to ensure justice and accountability for election-related violence.
The 2019 election was conducted under the APC regime of Buhari. His regime and security apparatuses will also be in charge of the February 25 and March 11 elections as in 2019.
HRW said that
“There have also been security threats from multiple groups across the country, including violent gangs in the northwest and groups in southeastern Nigeria who have been trying to undermine the elections.”
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