The February 2023 Federal Elections

Dear Lagosians,

I congratulate Lagosians on the very impressive display of patriotism and resolve over the weekend in coming out, despite previous disappointments and prevailing hardships, to exercise our mandate to elect new leadership at the federal level.

In light of this sacrifice, the reports of violence and disruption in many locations across our great state is most unacceptable especially given assurances received from the security agencies ahead of the elections.

All residents of Lagos state should be free to exercise their rights and civic duties without fear of intimidation, bullying or harm. Lagosians should live in dignity and we must all treat one another with respect.

The fact that we are not hearing from the State Government and Governor in the face of these is worrying, and perhaps, also revealing.

We call on the current administration and the relevant authorities to ensure that these acts of violence are investigated, that the law takes its course and that preventive measures are deployed ahead of the coming Gubernatorial polls.

I also urge INEC to be more conscious of its role as a custodian of the nascent and still fragile hope of the people in our developing democracy.

I personally witnessed the following significant shortcomings, in Saturday’s elections which have also been highlighted and widely reported in the media and by observers and, in some cases, by returning officers:

1. Late arrival of personnel and commencement of Voting.
2. Voting by persons not accredited on BVAS resulting in over-voting.
3. Lack of transparency due to widespread failure to transmit results from the polling units directly to INEC’s IREV portal as repeatedly promised by INEC and as provided in the electronic transmission guidelines.”

These must be addressed immediately.

I encourage us all to remain resilient, resolute and calm. 2023 is our year.

God bless you.

God bless Lagos State.

God bless Nigeria.

Funso Doherty.