#NigeriaDecides2023: NBA Observers Score INEC

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has bemoaned the challenges associated with using BVAS, notably in Rivers, Lagos, Plateau, Asokoro district, and others.

Also, the legal body condemned INEC over the late arrival of workers and election materials in several parts of the country, claiming that materials were more than an hour late in 75% of polling locations.

In a letter signed by NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, which announced the verdict of the legal body on the just concluded election, NBA said only in the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti, Lagos, and Kaduna states, that INEC officials and materials arrived early.

The legal body urged Nigerians to work toward achieving free and fair elections while committing that the NBA would continue to support the electoral process.

On the other hand, the NBA commended INEC’s effort toward the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

The legal body also noted that there was a large extent of compliance by way of movement restriction and voter turnout during the presidential and national assembly elections.

Yakubu Maikyau added, “I have also received reports of challenges with the use of BVAS, particularly in some parts of Rivers, Lagos, Plateau, Kano, and Kaduna States, including some part of FCT.

“I make specific reference to polling unit number 003 in Asokoro District, opposite the ECOWAS Secretariat.

“I encourage all stakeholders to strive to ensure fair, free, credible, inclusive, and verifiable elections.

“NBA and its members across the country will continue to support INEC and all other stakeholders in the electoral process. I commend all NBA observers across and encourage them to continue to report the progress of voting or related incidents from their locations across the country”.