Bisola David
Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has said that voter dissatisfaction with INEC is the reason for the poor attendance at the current governorship and house of assembly elections in Kwara State.
Saraki made this statement shortly after casting his ballot in Kwara State’s Ilorin West Local Government Area at voting unit 005, Agbaji Ward, Ajikobi.
He asserts that it is anticipated INEC this time around, will have learned its lessons from the last exercise and the harm it caused to the nation’s reputation.
He expressed optimism that INEC would transfer and upload results as soon as they were delivered as promised.
“The procedure began early, and thus far, everything has been calm. Nonetheless, there is a poor voting turnout. There are numerous justifications for it. I think people have been disappointed in INEC in the last election.
“But, it is too early in this election for judgments to be made. Later in the day, when the poll is completed and the collation is on, will be the real test.
“We hope that INEC has learned its lessons from the last exercise and the harm it caused to our country’s reputation this time around. We anticipate them doing as they committed to do and uploading the results as soon as they are submitted.”
Saraki noted that since Osun had elections outside of the off-season election, he doesn’t believe that technology is the problem. He said that If it functions, we shall inquire as to why it failed on Saturday, February 25.
“We cannot rule out the possibility that (the server) was purposefully made to malfunction the previous time. However, let’s see how this one turns out “.
According to the former president of the senate, rigorous adherence to the rules passed is the only way for Nigeria to have credible elections and prevent rigging.
Despite the problems that followed the most recent presidential election, he said it was strange that no INEC employees have received punishment since then.
“You see INEC officials, it may not be senior level, but INEC officials that have committed violations must be made to face consequences, but nobody has been sanctioned so far,” he argued.
