I, Dr. Peter Onoja, unequivocally condemn the actions surrounding the election scheduled for September 21, 2024, in Enugu State, with particular concern for the situation in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), in collaboration with the People?s Democratic Party (PDP), has willfully refused to distribute essential electoral materials, effectively disenfranchising the people. This blatant disregard for electoral transparency undermines the trust that citizens must have in the electoral process and strikes at the heart of free and fair democratic governance.

The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 14(2)(c), states: "The participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution." The refusal to distribute electoral materials violates this fundamental provision, as it hinders the ability of citizens to actively participate in their governance by electing their representatives. Such an act not only denies the rights of political candidates but also tramples upon the rights of the electorate to make their voices heard through the ballot.

The denial of electoral materials is not just a procedural failure; it is a calculated move to subvert the will of the people. By preventing opposition parties, especially the Labour Party (LP), from participating fully in the election, ENSIEC and PDP are not only violating the basic rights of political candidates and their supporters but also disrespecting the collective voice of the electorate. Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees "the right to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular to form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of their interests." This right includes fair access to the electoral process, which must be safeguarded.

Moreover, the mistreatment of Labour Party (LP) members and candidates, who have been left stranded at local government offices, suffering due to the lack of materials, further illustrates the unjust conditions imposed on opposition groups. Instead of resolving this issue, security operatives have resorted to violence, physically assaulting opposition members. This abuse of power by security forces is deplorable. Section 34(1) of the Constitution clearly states that "every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person" and that no person shall be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment. The actions of these security forces not only violate the dignity of the individuals involved but also reflect a broader failure to uphold constitutional rights.

Such actions are symptomatic of a deeper problem within the political system where the rule of law is disregarded, and power is maintained through coercion rather than the consent of the governed. The people of Igbo-Eze North LGA, and indeed all of Enugu State, deserve better. They deserve a government and electoral body that upholds fairness, integrity, and transparency. An election where only one party is allowed to dominate through fraudulent means is not an election at all?it is a mockery of democracy. Section 1(2) of the Constitution affirms that "no person or group of persons shall take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution." Therefore, any attempt to manipulate elections outside the boundaries of the law is unconstitutional and illegitimate.

I call on all relevant authorities, both at the state and national levels, to immediately investigate these egregious violations. ENSIEC and the PDP must be held accountable for their role in disrupting the electoral process, and those responsible for the violence against Labour Party members must face the full force of the law. This election must not be allowed to proceed under such unjust conditions, and immediate steps must be taken to ensure that all political parties and their candidates are given the equal opportunity to participate.

Furthermore, I urge international observers and civil society organizations to take note of this abuse of power and bring global attention to these violations. Democracy cannot survive when elections are rigged, and when violence is used to suppress the opposition. It is essential that the people?s right to vote, and to choose their leaders without fear or coercion, is restored immediately.

As I make this statement based on the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, I emphasize that the future of democracy in Igbo-Eze North LGA is at stake, and the eyes of the nation and the world are watching. It is imperative that the principles of justice, fairness, and equality are upheld, and that the will of the people is respected. Violence and manipulation must never be allowed to define the outcome of an election.

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?Dr. Peter Onoja writes from Enugu.

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