The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Nigerians who were disenfranchised on election day are able to vote in rescheduled elections.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu made the call on Sunday during the presentation of the National Human Rights Commission preliminary statement on the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections in Abuja.
According to the commission, disenfranchisement is a violation of the right to vote, adding that it could be a major trigger for election violence and impacts on the legitimacy and acceptability of election results.
“Everything therefore should be done to ensure that Nigerians who trooped out in their millions to vote are afforded the opportunity to do so”.
As part of its recommendation, Ojukwu said INEC should ensure prompt uploads of results of elections into its election results portals to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
“Re-appraise its logistics strategy to ensure that, materials and personnel arrive on time during the governorship and houses of assembly election in March.
“Materials which are essential instruments for the exercise of the right to vote are available. INEC must ensure that voting materials are complete and enough for the huge size of electorate.
“Revamp its feedback platforms including call lines to enable Nigerians reach INEC to directly report on situations on the electoral process”.
Similarly, the National Human Rights Commission called on the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement and security agencies to ensure security of electoral materials and personnel in the rescheduled elections and the forthcoming gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.
“Continue to maintain political neutrality and impartiality in election operations.
“Arrest and prosecute all cases of political violence, including attacks and snatching of ballot boxes and materials”.
Ojukwu emphasised that the commission will manage and contain using human rights based approaches, case of post-election violence and ensure the protection of lives and properties as we enter into a critical period in the electoral process.
The Commission however called on all Nigerians to remain calm, patriotic and loyal to the laws of Nigeria. “Nigerians should eschew violence of all kinds and see the elections as a contest that will produce winners and losers.
“We also call on Nigerians to repeat the huge turnout for the governorship and House of Assembly elections”.
He urged on all politicians, traditional and religious leaders and citizens to eschew hate speeches, incitement to violence and divisive rhetoric in this critical moment of the transition programme.
He warned that the NHRC will invoke its protective mandate to hold any Nigerian no matter his or her status in the society accountable for any violence or threat of violence that erupts as a result of their speeches, incitements and reckless statements.
“NHRC will continue to monitor the electoral process closely and provide further updates and issue its final statement on the conduct of the election in due course” he added.
