Don’t allow violence disrupt ongoing elections, CDD tells security agencies

The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) has condemned the destruction of electoral materials in Benue and  Ebonyi states. 

In a statement signed by Idayat Hassan, CDD director, the group said such acts are capable of disrupting the electoral process as tens of polling units would be affected.

Electoral materials, including ballot boxes and card readers were set on fire by suspected “political thugs”, at Mbalom ward, in Gwer east local government area of Benue on Saturday morning.

A similar incident was reported in Ebonyi state with three registration area centers (RACs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) razed down and election materials destroyed.

“As Nigerians go to polls today to elect governors and their representatives at their respective house of assemblies, our observers have reported started reporting incidents that are capable of disrupting voting,” the statement read.

“In Benue state, armed hoodlums razed down a RCM primary school Aya containing electoral materials meant for Mbalom ward in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue state. However, no election official was hurt.

“And in Ebonyi state, thugs burned down three RACs, destroying election materials. Around 75 polling units and voting points were affected. In addition, some 36,392 registered voters out of a total number of 1,459,933 registered in the state were affected.”

Hassan said failure of security agents to stem the tide of violence would eventually affect the outcome of the elections.

“We are calling on all the relevant security stakeholders to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to stave off further incidents of violence that might likely disrupt voting today and consequently affect the outcome of the elections,” she said.