…wants govt, CSOs, and citizens to address root causes

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- AN election observer, Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, weekend, reported 210 cases of violence recorded in 2024 Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.

This was made known during a public presentation of the final report of the Nigeria Violence Education and Resolution (NEVER) Project, implemented by KDI in Edo and Ondo states with the support of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, FCDO.

In a welcome remark, the Executive Director, KDI, Bukola Idowu, explained that KDI tracked, documented, and mitigated electoral violence in Edo and Ondo States, which its pre-election phase monitoring, began on January 1, 2024.    

Some of the findings also indicated that in Edo State, between January 1-December 31, 2024 there was 118 incidents of violence while in Ondo was 92 incidents of electoral violence, and there generally include property destruction, shooting, verbal assault, violent protest, attack, ballot box snatching, attack, party members’ clash, intimidation, kidnapping, arrest and human rights violation, and alleged unlawful arrests.

According to Idowu, “Over the past year, KDI has worked tirelessly to track, document, and mitigate electoral violence in Edo and Ondo states. Our pre-election phase monitoring, which began on January 1, 2024, revealed 210 cases of violence, with 118 cases of non-electoral violence and 98 cases of electoral violence.

“Our findings were used to engage stakeholders, including security agencies and election management bodies, to aid their preparation for the election. We also established a State Peace and Mediation Working Committee in both states, comprising non-partisan influential individuals. These committees played a crucial role in promoting peace initiatives and resolving conflicts in both states.

“Furthermore,KDI, in partnership with the State Peace and Mediation Working Committee, Edo and Ondo States Police Commands and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, we convened a peace and security summit in both states, which brought together relevant election stakeholders, including political parties, EMBs, security agencies, and other institutions.

“The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to commit to peaceful elections and to develop strategies for preventing and mitigating electoral violence.

“In addition, our people’s Townhall meeting on electoral security, aired live on Channels TV, provided an opportunity for citizens to engage with stakeholders on issues related to electoral security. Our Radio Townhalls, which were broadcast in both states, further amplified the message of peaceful elections and encouraged citizens to take an active role in promoting peace.

“Today again marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote peaceful elections and mitigate electoral violence in Nigeria. As we present our final report, we are proud of the progress made, but we are also aware of the challenges that still lie ahead. Our report highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote electoral integrity, mitigate electoral violence, and ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard.

However, on the solutions to electoral violence he said all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and citizens, need to work together to address the root causes of electoral violence and to promote peaceful elections.

“The report also underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in promoting peaceful elections. We recognize that electoral violence is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and collective response.

“Let us work together to identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. Our collective efforts can make a significant difference in promoting peaceful elections and strengthening our democracy”, he added.