Study Warns of Election Violence Risk in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States
The upcoming governorship elections scheduled for November 16th in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states are at risk of violence, as indicated by a study conducted by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The research, which involved a pre-election environment risk assessment in the three states, found that previous governorship elections in these regions experienced violence, and the underlying factors for these conflicts remain present.
Imo and Kogi are particularly susceptible to violence in the upcoming elections, with potential threats from secessionist groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Imo and armed criminals in Kogi.
In Bayelsa, political thugs with knowledge of the state’s waterways pose a potential threat. The organization pointed out that despite these findings, there are opportunities to ensure a peaceful election, provided that strategic violence prevention measures are taken by all stakeholders.
KDI’s Team Lead, Bukola Idowu, presented these findings in Abuja, emphasising the various factors contributing to the election’s security concerns.
The emergence of third-party political parties, multi-dimensional crises in Imo, and the division of candidate selection along senatorial or ethnic lines have led to increased tension and violence in these states.
The study identified several potential hotspots for violence during the elections. In Bayelsa, the primary area of concern is Nembe, where the media has faced restrictions on covering political conflicts.
In Imo, 11 local government areas (LGAs) were listed as prone to political violence, and in Kogi, five LGAs were identified as potential areas for crisis.
The study also provided information about the registered voters in the three states: 1,056,862 in Bayelsa, 2,419,922 in Imo, and 1,932,654 in Kogi.
These states have a total of 10,510 polling units and 45,084 regular and ad hoc staff for deployment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The front runners in the elections include Timipreye Sylva, Duoye Diri, and Udengs Eradiri in Bayelsa; Hope Uzodinma, Sam Anyanwu, and Anthony Nnaji in Imo; and Usman Ododo, Dino Melaye, and Murtala Ajaka in Kogi.
KDI is an independent non-governmental organisation that focuses on advancing good governance, democratic rights, public policy, and public engagement.
Source: ICIR
