The recently released 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by the US has provided insight into Nigeria’s last year’s general election, which saw President Bola Tinubu emerge victorious. Despite widespread irregularities, the report asserts that the election ultimately reflected the will of the electorate.
According to the report published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, US Department of State, the elections were marred by technical and logistical difficulties, as well as various irregularities. However, many independent observers concluded that the overall outcome of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections was in line with the preferences of the voters.
Specifically, during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were accused of intimidating and suppressing voters in Igbo-dominated areas. This interference reportedly favored the APC candidate, despite Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi winning in these areas during the national election.
The report highlights instances of voter suppression, vote buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation during the electoral process. It mentions viral videos on social media showing APC supporters threatening ethnic Igbo voters in Ojo and attacking journalists in Eti-Osa, among other incidents.
Furthermore, the report addresses concerns about corruption within the government, noting that despite efforts to address the issue, it remains pervasive. President Tinubu’s appointment of former Governor Abubakar Bagudu as Minister of Budget, despite Bagudu’s alleged involvement in corruption during the 1990s, is cited as an example.
The report partly read, “National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite reports of voter suppression and vote buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation.”
The report provides an assessment of the challenges and shortcomings observed during Nigeria’s 2023 elections, acknowledging both the progress made and the areas where improvement is needed.
It underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles, ensuring electoral integrity, and combating corruption to foster a more transparent and accountable governance system in Nigeria.