Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) says it is deeply troubled by the conduct of the 2023 elections and the subsequent response by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

HURIWA which endorsed a recent cover page publication of the nation’s media flagship, The Guardian, on the high number of political litigations arising from the 2023 general election as symtomatic and a glaring evidence of a badly organised election by INEC, said too, that it was with grave concern that it was calling upon INEC to acknowledge and rectify the numerous irregularities, manipulations and massive rigging that tainted the credibility of the exercise.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stressed in a statement on Friday, 20^thOctober, 2023, that the allegations of irregularities in the 2023 elections were not to be taken lightly and wondered why the INEC hierarchy was behaving like an ‘unrepentant election bandit and rogue,’ by seeking to justify the totally condemnable and despicable electoral heists that characterised the February 25^thPresidential Election in the Country.

“INEC’S leadership must come clean, apologise and bear full responsibility for mismanaging the conduct of the 2023 Nigerian election that looked like a game of political terrorists whereby might became right and the weak were chased away from polling units across the country, especially in Lagos State whereby members of a certain ethnicity were stopped by armed thugs purportedly sent by Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ally, MC Oluomo, from exercising their democratic franchise only because of perception that they wouldn’t vote for the All Progressives Congress’s presidential candidate as he was then, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Onwubiko stated.

It would be recalled that INEC reacted to a front page report by The Guardian (Nigeria) newspaper in its edition of Wednesday, 18^thOctober, 2023, entitled: “INEC’s credibility sinks as 94% contested posts awaits tribunal.”

The commission through its National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement, explained that the Commission would have ignored the report if it did not emanate from one of our country’s flagship newspapers which has over the years established a reputation for the quality of its stories, incisive analysis, factual accuracy, balance and lately, the innovative use of infographics.

“INEC’s claim of inaccuracies in the media’s reporting is a matter of perspective. The public, media, and concerned stakeholders have legitimate concerns about the electoral process. “INEC should not dismiss these concerns, but rather address them with transparency and accountability,” HURIWA suggested.

“The assertion that the State Assembly elections were held in only 28 states due to the off-cycle nature of executive elections in eight states is not a sufficient explanation. INEC should provide a clear and comprehensive account of the entire electoral process to dispel any doubts.

“While it is true that INEC does not conduct political party primaries, it must ensure that the subsequent general elections are conducted with integrity and fairness. The dismissal and withdrawal of many election petitions do not negate the fact that irregularities existed. It is crucial to focus on addressing these issues rather than dismissing them.

“The analysis of the total number of petitions should not be oversimplified. Each petition represents a voice, a concern, and a potential irregularity. To brush these off as mere numerical figures is to ignore the real issues faced by voters and candidates,” HURIWA insisted.

The group emphasized that INEC’s responsibility goes beyond merely conducting elections. “It includes creating an environment of trust and confidence in the electoral process. The integrity of elections is paramount in any democratic society.

“The issues raised during the 2023 elections cannot be swept under the rug.

The grounds for challenging the outcome of an election, as outlined in the Electoral Act, encompass a wide range of issues, including candidate eligibility. “It is essential for INEC to cooperate with relevant authorities and political parties to ensure that only qualified candidates participate in future elections,” the rights group contended.

HURIWA, therefore, implored INEC to acknowledge its shortcomings, address the concerns raised by citizens, and work towards rebuilding the trust of the Nigerian people in the electoral process. “A true democracy depends on the transparency and credibility of its elections,” it said.

“We urge INEC to cover its face in humility, embrace accountability, and commit to rectifying the irregularities witnessed in the 2023 elections. It is not an act of shame to admit shortcomings; it is a sign of strength and commitment to a more democratic Nigeria,” the group advised.