Vote counting has commenced in Nigeria's state elections following the closure of polling stations on Saturday, as security challenges and political disputes overshadow the process. The elections, held in 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory, marked the second round of voting in a fortnight, with over 70 civil society groups monitoring the process.
Despite mostly peaceful voting, reports of abductions, violence, and vote-buying emerged, including at least 10 fatalities before and on polling day. The Situation Room, a coalition of over 70 civil society groups, documented seven deaths on Saturday, following 53 deaths during the presidential elections weeks prior.
INEC staff faced attacks in southern states, with the commission confirming abductions in Rivers and Akwa Ibom. 'We are working with the security forces to ensure they are rescued,' INEC spokesman Rotimi Oyekanmi told AFP, adding that staff relied on military support during such incidents. Election workers also protested unpaid salaries, while technical glitches delayed voting in some areas.
Journalists and radio staff were briefly abducted in Port Harcourt, though all were released unharmed. Opposition parties criticized the military's visible presence, with PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar calling it 'unconstitutional.' The PDP seeks to challenge the ruling APC in 22 states, where Buhari's party currently holds power.
Political analysts emphasized the significance of state elections, noting that governance at the local level directly impacts citizens' daily lives. 'The choices people make in these elections really determine the level of governance they get,' said Jibrin Ibrahim, a political scientist. However, low voter turnout and lingering distrust in the electoral process raised concerns about democratic stability.
Violence between party supporters persisted, with at least 10 deaths reported in Lagos, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, and Rivers states. Rivers state's former governor accused the military of complicity in killings, while a court barred APC candidates from contesting in the state due to procedural issues. INEC also faced challenges as fires damaged offices in multiple states, potentially affecting tens of thousands of voters.
