2023 polls: how insecurity may affect results in Kaduna, Imo and Katsina

• “Why INEC cannot conduct polls in parts of IMO” • SOKAPU and BEPU call for sustained attacks on terrorists in Kaduna

In a context of widespread insecurity which has taken an alarming turn in some states of the federation, among which are the states of Kaduna, Niger, Imo, Katsina and Zamfara, among others, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) and other leaders in crisis Communities in Kaduna State have called on the Federal Government to ensure that the prevailing insecurity is reasonably contained for the smooth running of the upcoming elections General of 2023.

They argued that although the terrorists had succeeded in ransacking and taking control of some communities in the state, with more government efforts to secure the state for the conduct of successful elections, the impact of security issues will be minimal.

SOKAPU and Birni Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU) officials have urged the government and those affected by the conduct of the 2023 general elections to ensure that the conditions and environment appropriate prevail as the country heads to the polls.

SOKAPU spokesperson Luka Binniyat, who spoke to the Guardian, said: “The 2023 general elections will not be significantly affected in southern Kaduna State. hundreds of communities have been displaced, displaced people have moved to safer and larger settlements where their security is better assured.

"What is usually done is for INEC to identify IDPs who come from certain polling units living outside their official polling stations, but in one location. The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) will then designate that location as the voting unit.Eligible voters will be accredited and can then vote.Thus, as long as IDPs have voter cards, they can vote in Kaduna State, if tradition is maintained. . »

Binniyat explained that "with six months to the general election, stakeholders - government, security agencies, INEC have time to collaborate and identify hotspots where it may be difficult to organize elections," saying "new voting sites can be identified, logistics and security are provided for voters to cast their ballots."

He noted, "Fortunately, most dangerous areas are empty of law-abiding citizens and occupied by outlaws. Displaced people can have designated INEC-approved voting areas. This is is produced in the local council of Birnin Gwari, which holds perhaps 40% of the areas captured by terrorists.

He further pointed out that "there has not been a time in the history of elections since 1999 when the electorate has been as excited to vote as today", pointing out that "many are still unaware of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and various issues."

Meanwhile, BEPU President Alhaji Ishaq Usman Kasai, who hailed the government's military feat against terrorists in the region, called on the government to step up its action.

He remarked, "While appreciating and praising the renewed efforts of the government and our valiant troops, we call for the extension of the operation to hideouts of terrorists in the forests for the restoration of peace in order to that people can live in their communities without fear and intimidation.

This is necessary to enable the holding of general elections in 2023 in the region and for the people to exercise their right to vote."

The Chief of Arewa, Elder Anthony Sani also noted that the recent military campaign against terrorists in the forests by the federal government, is sufficient assurance that the current insecurity is not likely to spoil the general elections of the country. next year.

Sani, who was the former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), explained that since Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai's outcry in the presidency that bandits are running parallel governments in the State troops have taken the fight against terrorists to their hideout to ensure that insecurity ends before the 2023 legislative elections take place.

He observed that for a successful election next year, "all that is needed is for the INEC, security agencies, government and other relevant agencies to inspire the electorate with words and deeds. essential for them to make judicious use of their democracy". rights and ensuring that votes count. »

In Imo State, unless growing insecurity issues are addressed, there are indications that INEC may not hold general elections in some local councils.

After the notable incidence of bandits storming Owerri Correctional Center, destroying the entrance, sporadically shooting and freeing around 1,800 inmates, there were other cases such as Orlu, Orsu, Njaba and Ihitte Uboma.

Already, the commission has suspended registration drills in the three local council areas of the state due to registered cases of k...