***Make ruling party accountable to the people
Participants at a one-day post elections review meeting with political parties on anti-corruption and Accountability in elections at State level in Kogi State have asked the opposition political parties to live up to their bidding and perform their functions of holding the ruling party accountable.
They further challenged the opposition to play politics of ideology by presenting vibrant opposition to keep the ruling party on their toes.
After every general election cycle the opposition parties’ members in the state are quick to dump their parties for the ruling party in order to be patronized thereby leaving room for lack of genuine opposition that will give the party in power a run for their money.
The event which was organized by the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) in partnership with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC)
The participants made the call at a one-day post-2023 general elections review meeting with political parties in Lokoja on Thursday.
In a Communique that was signed by the Executive director, conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) Comrade Miliki Abdul, the participants noted that the conclusion of the 2023 general elections had further strengthened the democratic experiment in Nigeria and entrenched deeper governance of the nation through the ballot.
“However, like many human activities, there has been several complaints and disenchantment from participating stakeholders especially political parties and their candidates.
“Some of the contending issues range from the perceived non-adherence to guidelines by the electoral umpire, to technological issues around the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and these issues are currently been challenged in the election tribunals,” he said.
He explained that the objective of the 1-day meeting was to review the the 2023 general elections as it affects the anti-corruption and accountability.
“This review meeting is part of CHRCR continuation of the engagement on prioritizing anti-corruption and accountability issues towards the 2023 general elections at State level in Kogi state with recognized political parties. It is also part of projecting forward issues around accountability and anti-corruption in the upcoming November 11th 2023 off-cycle governorship elections in the state.”
The communique harped on the roles political parties are expected play in the fight against corruption and promoting accountability.
Participants at the review meeting organized by CHRCR, in partnership with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), observed that political party leaders and candidates often do not fully understand the legal frameworks for election, such as the Electoral Act 2022 and other relevant laws and guidelines.
They noted that leading political parties have consistently shunned engagement with the citizens and relevant stakeholders, particularly the civil society, even when invited.
Participants expressed concerns over increasing attacks, destruction and damage to lives and properties, stressing that such is raising tension and making citizens apprehensive about the elections. They agreed that general insecurity environment proceeding the elections has become a cause of worry that could lead to voter apathy on election day.
They noted with concern that there are still limited visible activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards the November 11, 2023 governorship elections in Kogi state.
Participants at the review meeting urged Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to reorganize and re-energize their activities towards performing its roles of holding members accountable.
CHRCR called on political parties and their candidates to include anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in their campaign activities and manifestos.