List of Three Issues That Could Mar Nigeria’s Forthcoming Election in 2023 According to Crises Group

• Crises group has revealed that some issues will affect the coming 2023 general elections in Nigeria
• According to the group, scarcities of fuel and the redesigned national currency might affect the coming election
• Going further, the organisation warns that the situation could hamper election logistics and render many voters more vulnerable to vote-buying

Insecurity, rancour between political parties, coupled with scarcities of fuel and the redesigned national currency, could mar Nigeria’s forthcoming elections, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned.

In a 26-page report published on February 10, titled Mitigating Violence Around Nigeria’s 2023 Elections, the global conflict prevention and peacebuilding group said the elections are taking place amidst wider security challenges.

Here is the list of issues that could affect the election

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Boko Haram and banditry

ICG referred to the activities of various armed groups – Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North East, bandits in the North West as one main reason that will affect the presidential election.

A close examination of the activities of these groups suggests that they pose a unique and perhaps, even more complex threat to the election and this will affect the outcome of the election since many people will be scared of coming out to vote.

Biafra secessionist and IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), which is fighting for a breakaway state in south-eastern Nigeria have been calling for no election in the country.

The Eastern Security Network (ESN) which is the paramilitary organization of IPOB have been accused of unleashing terror on citizens of the southeast.

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As a result of activities of this group, many people have lost their lives and it might affect the turnout of voters in the region.

Recent policy of the federal government on cash swap

Crisis Group also observes that the elections are further being challenged by the recent scarcities of motor vehicle fuel and the redesigned naira notes.

The organisation warns that the situation could hamper election logistics. Moreover, hardship caused by these scarcities could render many voters more vulnerable to vote-buying.

To mitigate risks and ensure credible polls, ICG calls on federal security agencies to step up operations against non-state actors and to ensure adequate protection for offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The body calls on parties, candidates and supporters to tone down their inflammatory rhetoric and re-focus their campaigns on the real issues that matter to the electorate, particularly the economy and security.

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How to vote during election: Women commence sensitization to ensure Atiku wins

In a bid to prepare to a proper execution, Nigerians have been sensitised on how to vote in the forthcoming general election.

The sensitisation was carried out by the Young Ladies in Politics group across the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory, the group said in a statement made available to Legit.ng.

The group which was led by Hon. Dr Izekor Loveth embarked on the massive sensitisation to educate market women, artisans, young men and women, first time voters among others.

Source: Legit.ng