FIDA Nigeria Preliminary Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0 Introduction
FIDA Nigeria, through her situation room situated at Candelux Imperial Hotel in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is observing the participation of women and women with disabilities across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.
2.0 Methodology
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” observed the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool was developed, and our approach in observation was both qualitative and quantitative. We leveraged partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidences, promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls.
The following issues were highlighted as part of our preliminary report:
2.1 Priority Voting for Women from Marginalized/Vulnerable Groups
FIDA Nigeria observed that women with disabilities, the elderly/aged, pregnant women, and nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC Adhoc Officials. Our observers reported that in about 76.25% of the polling units, priority voting occurred and was enforced by Adhoc Officials. In polling unit 8, Ward 3, Ekeremor LGA, polling Unit 4, Ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, Polling unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, and polling units 21, Ward 11, Ogbia LGA, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly were prioritized and exercised their franchise accordingly.
2.2 Existence of Separate Queues for Women
In 17.6% of the polling units visited, we observed that INEC ensured that separate queues were created for women to exercise their franchise. However, such was nonexistent in 82.4% of the polling units visited as INEC made no such provisions, and there was no form of enforcement by security agencies. In polling units 25 & 32, Ward 1, Yenagoa LGA, and Polling unit 04 Ward 10 Southern Ijaw LGA, separate queues were observed, creating an enabling platform for women to exercise their franchise.
2.3 Functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System:
FIDA Nigeria observed that across most polling units within our purview, the bimodal voter’s accreditation system was largely functional, aiding accreditation and the voting process. In 82.4% of the polling units visited the BVAS Machine was highly functional. However, in 17.6% of the polling units observed, technical difficulties were experienced, limiting women’s participation. For example, at polling unit 8, Ward 3, Ekeremor LGA, BVAs were reported to have rejected some women’s fingerprints and facial recognition. However, such women were observed to have continued waiting to ascertain if they would be considered to vote eventually. From our observations at about 1.50 pm, 5 women who were unable to undergo accreditation were not allowed to vote. Similarly, in polling unit 3, Ward: 11, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, reported incidences of BVAs malfunctioning were recorded as they could not capture female voters.
2.4 Vote Trading:
FIDA Nigeria observed a few disturbing incidences of vote trading across 52.9% of the polling units. However, 47.1% witnessed no incidences of vote trading in the polling units. 41.2% of female party agents and politicians were found to perpetuate vote buying across polling units observed. At polling unit 3, Ward 11, Southern Ijaw LGA, women were observed to be induced by party agents towards swaying their votes for a particular party with the sum of N10,000. At Polling Unit 4, Ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, votes were traded between the sum of N10,000 – N12,000 between leading political parties and electorates. In polling unit 25, Ward 1, Yenagoa LGA, electorates were swayed with food items and money. At polling unit 15, Ward 3, Nembe LGA, and polling unit 2, Ward 10, Sagbama LGA, leading parties offered between N10,000 – N15,000 to willing electorates. Similarly, at polling unit 15, ward11, Southern Ijaw LGA, female voters were persuaded to vote for a particular party with a plate of jollof rice and N1,000 only, while other female voters were offered a bucket of rice and persuaded to vote for another party with the promise of a bank transfer after voting. At Polling Unit 25, ward1, female voters were swayed with a promise of N30,000 to vote for a particular party by party agents.
2.5 Turnout of Female Voters:
FIDA Nigeria observed the turnout of female voters who identified their names in about 88.3% of the polling units observed. For instance, more women were seen exercising their franchise at Polling Unit 15, Ward 3, Nembe LGA, Polling Unit 002, Ward 10, Sagbama LGA, and Polling 4, Ward 10, Southern Ijaw LGA, and Polling Unit 59, Ward 05, Yenagoa LGA.
2.6 Under-Aged Female Voters
In 97.1% of the polling units visited, we observed no incidence of underage voting by females, while the same percentage were able to find their names on the voters’ register. However, in PU 008, Ward 003, Ekeremor LGA, an incident of underage voting was reported as a female minor was seen casting her vote.
2.7 Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 42.9% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel, 19% had 3 security personnel, 19% had 2 security personnel, and 19% had either one or no security presence at the polling units. Females were observed being mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that 47.6% of the polling units observed had two female security officials, while 23.8% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 4.8% of the polling units observed; however, in 95.2%, security personnel were not armed. In 94.1% of the polling units observed, women were seen to be secure and safe, with 4.8% having relative insecurity issues. For example, at polling unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, we witnessed the presence of four female security personnel manning the polling unit. A similar occurrence was witnessed at Polling Unit 32, Ward 01, Yenagoa LGA, where two security personnel were observed securing the polls. At
polling unit 005, ward6, Yenagoa LGA, three security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling unit 3, Ward 06, Yenagoa LGA, unarmed security personnel (6 female and 2 male) were observed. However, there was no presence of security personnel at Polling Unit 021, ward 11, Ogbia LGA as at 9.30 am even as the election had earlier commenced by 9.00 am.
2.8 Partiality of Electoral & Security Personnel
In 71.4% of our polling units, electoral and security personnel were observed to demonstrate some level of impartiality; however, there were some concerns about the level of partiality in about 27.6% of the polling units visited.
2.9 Intimidation of Election Observers
FIDA Nigeria recorded incidences of intimidation of her female observers at polling unit .003, Ogboloma Town Square, Ward 11 Kolokuma LGA where the phone of one of the female observers was confiscated by the representative of one of the leading parties at the polling center.
In PU No 015, Ward No:11, Southern Ijaw LGA, a female observer also reported intimidation by party agents warning her not to report anything she saw or heard at the polling unit, which limited her observation.
We call on security agencies to investigate and arrest the culprits to forestall reoccurrence in subsequent elections.
2.9.1 Close of Polls
We observed that elections were concluded before 2.30 pm with counting of votes and results announced in polling unit 4, Ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, and Polling unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, which casts credibility on the voting process.
3.0 Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria will continue to observe the elections and update the media on her findings, which will be reflected through her post-election statement detailing more on the overall participation of women and women with disabilities. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless FIDA Nigeria.
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria Interim Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0 Introduction
FIDA Nigeria, through its situation room situated at Candelux Imperial Hotel in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, is observing the participation of women and women with disabilities across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.
2.0 Methodology
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” will observe the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers who will be deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool has been developed, and our approach in observation will be both qualitative and quantitative, leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidents and promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls. The following issues are highlighted as part of our preliminary report:
2.1. Commencement of Polls
Reports across the polling units under our observatory indicate that election materials arrived at 28.6% of polling units before 8:30 am. However, in 71.4% of the polling units, election materials arrived later than 9:30 am. For instance, at Polling Unit 61, Ward 05 Okutukutu-Etegwe, Yenagoa LGA, voting commenced at 8:30 am. Similarly, at Polling Unit 04, Ward 10 Southern Ijaw LGA, electoral materials and officials were present at 8:00 am. However, in Polling Unit 21, Ward 11, Ogbia Local Government Area, voting commenced by 10 am.
2.2. Presence of Electoral Officials
Reports across the polling units under our observatory indicate that 81% of polling units had 3 electoral officials, 14.3% had 2 officials, and 4.8% had less than 2 electoral officials.
2.2. Mainstreaming of Female Electoral Officials
We observed that 61.9% of polling units under our observatory had above two female electoral officials, 33.3% had less than 2 female electoral officials, and 4.8% had no female electoral officials. For instance, at Polling Unit 32, Community Primary School, Ward 1, Yenagoa Local Government Area, and Polling Unit 15, Ward 11, Southern Ijaw LGA, and Polling Unit 21, Ward 11, Ogbia LGA, two female electoral officials were observed present.
2.3. Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 42.9% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel, 19% had 3 security personnel, 19% had 2 security personnel, and 19% had either one or no security presence at the polling units. Females were observed being mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that 47.6% of polling units observed had two female security officials, while 23.8% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 4.8% of the polling units observed; however, in 95.2% of the polling units, security personnel were not armed. For example, at Polling Unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, we witnessed the presence of four female security personnel manning the polling unit. A similar occurrence was witnessed at Polling Unit 32, Ward 01, Yenagoa LGA, Kaduna State, where two security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling Unit 005, Ward 6, Yenagoa LGA, three security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling Unit 3, Ward 06, Yenagoa LGA, unarmed security personnel (6 female and 2 male) were observed. However, there was no presence of security personnel at Polling Unit 021, Ward 11, Ogbia LGA as at 9:30 am.
2.4. Partiality of Electoral & Security Personnel
In 71.4% of our polling units, electoral and security personnel were observed to demonstrate some level of partiality; however, there were some concerns about the level of partiality in about 27.6% of polling units visited.
3.0. Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria will continue to observe the elections and issue her preliminary statement on the elections to detail more on the overall participation of women and persons with disability.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Empowers Girl Child on International Day with Digital Literacy Pep Talk
On October 11, 2023, FIDA Nigeria’s Epe branch marked the International Day of the Girl Child with an inspiring pep talk held at Attwool Sunflower School in Ologolo, Lagos.
This year’s theme, “THE DIGITAL GENERATION, OUR GENERATION,” took center stage as participants delved into the crucial topic of “Navigating the Digital Space for a Greater Future for the Girl Child.”
Mrs. Ogechi Olisa-Mokelu, the PRO, initiated the pep talk by highlighting the significance of technology and digital literacy in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape. Stressing the importance of equipping the girl child for growth in the digital space, she emphasized that technical proficiency is essential for proving one’s worth and assuming leadership roles in this digital generation.
The PRO articulated FIDA’s commitment to opening up opportunities, creating new avenues, and building partnerships that empower the girl child. This includes sensitization efforts and collaborations aimed at providing greater access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Central to the strategy is the establishment and encouragement of digital platforms for empowerment, training, and mentorship. These platforms equip the girl child with essential tools to successfully navigate the digital space, positioning herself for a brighter future.
The session included a lively question and answer segment, and thoughtful gifts were presented to the students. The school management expressed gratitude to FIDA Epe for dedicating time to educate and encourage their pupils, underscoring the positive impact of such initiatives on the community.
FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch remains steadfast in its mission to empower and uplift the girl child, fostering a generation capable of thriving in the digital era.
FIDA Nigeria Pre-Election Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0. Introduction
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, citizens of Bayelsa State will exercise their franchise at 2,244 polling units within 105 registration area centers across the state to elect a governor at the off-cycle gubernatorial elections. This election marks the fourth election conducted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 and the first after the 2023 general elections, with attention focused on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Electoral Management Body) performance in administering the polls.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) has diligently observed situational happenings and pre-election incidents ahead of the elections. We have observed a slight upsurge in the total number of registered voters, with an increase of about 12.74% from 922,182 at the last gubernatorial elections in 2019 to about 1,056,862 million presently. Out of the 1,056,862 registered voters, about 1,017,613 have collected their permanent voters cards (PVC), which is an improved position of 12.60% compared to 2019, where about 889,308 collected their permanent voters cards. This indicates that more citizens are engaging in the political process and have taken advantage of the continuous voter’s registration to ensure that their votes count at the polls.
During the 2019 Bayelsa State Governorship Elections, a total of 45 political parties fielded candidates for the Governorship elections. However, in the forthcoming elections, electorates will be given the options to choose from the 16 political parties fielding candidates at the polls. During our pre-election observation, which is clearly qualitative, we observed that only two political parties fielded women as governorship candidates, and similarly, only two women were fielded as deputy governorship candidates by their political parties. Comparatively, these figures are lower than in 2019, where three political parties had female governorship candidates. However, from the sixteen political parties, none of the fielded candidates are persons with disabilities, which has restricted political representation by women in the highest executive position in the state.
2.0. Methodology/ Approach
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” will observe the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers who will be deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool has been developed, and our approach in observation will be both qualitative and quantitative, leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidences promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls. FIDA Nigeria’s citizen engagement will be made possible through the establishment of an Election Data Analytical Centre in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where our data analysts will document and analyze findings from our citizen observers through the help of civic technology.
3.0. General Observations/Expectations
i. Securing the Polls:
We expect strategic deployment of security personnel across the 2,244 polling units of the state to forestall any form of violence at the polls, which may limit the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. We applaud the deployment of 27,000 police personnel by the Nigeria Police, ensuring that a minimum of four police personnel are stationed in every polling unit in line with global best practices. We further applaud the deployment of 22,600 personnel across Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. We call on other sister security agencies to massively deploy their personnel at the polls to checkmate violence, especially in flashpoints and high-risk local government areas of Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw, and Ogbia, and all forms of vote-buying that may impede the credibility of the poll. We urge security agencies to ensure the inclusivity of females in their deployment plans and strategy, with a monitoring mechanism in place for deployed security personnel at the polling units to be identified by their name tags and demonstrate non-partisanship in the discharge of their responsibilities, abiding by the revised code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on election duty.
ii. INEC Logistical Arrangements to Aid Priority Voting for Vulnerable Groups:
We expect the early deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the polling units, as well as poll officials at the commencement of polls. This will help promote confidence in the system and improve the credibility of the poll. We have observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission has religiously followed its set timetable & schedule of activities, sequel to the elections, in consonance with the dictates of the Electoral Act. We are delighted that the Election Management Body is abiding by her 2018 framework on access and participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process and the provisions of the Disability Act of 2019 by mainstreaming persons with disabilities as Adhoc polling staff. We hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission complies with the aforementioned frameworks towards ensuring the effective and seamless participation of 880 registered persons with disabilities in the elections. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the provision of magnifying glasses for persons with low vision & albinism, braille for persons with visual impairment, and providing priority voting for persons with disabilities, nursing mothers, pregnant women, the aged/elderly, and other vulnerable groups at the polls.
iii. High Turnout of Female Voters:
We expect that an increase in registered female voters will translate to more voters, especially women and persons with disabilities, participating at the polls. The state has a record of above-average turnout of voters in previous elections, except for 2015, where it had a low turnout of about 35.15%. From INEC records, about 490,707 females, amounting to 46% of the voting population, registered for the 2023 Governorship Elections, demonstrating an increase in female voters compared to 2019 with 424,392 registered female voters. We recall that at the 2019 gubernatorial elections, 54.83% of the total voting population exercised their franchise. We expect that due to increased voter awareness and continuous voter registration, more women will participate actively, leading to an increased female voter turnout at the polls.
iv. Functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System:
We observed the success of the mock accreditation system on the 14th of October 2023 to test the functionality of the BVAS in nine polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state and subsequent upload of the results to the upgraded INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV). We hope that the system is well-configured towards aiding the accreditation and voting process at the polls. FIDA Nigeria, through her field observers, will critically observe the functionality of this machine across the 2,244 polling units in the state.
4.0. Recommendations/Conclusions
In light of the foregoing, key actors in the electoral processes, particularly INEC, political parties, security agencies, mass media, and Civil Society Organisations, need to pay increasing attention to factors limiting women’s participation ahead of the Governorship Election. As such, the following recommendations are considered pertinent:
• Deployment of Electoral materials (Sensitive and non-sensitive) across all Registration Area Centers and polling units timeously is key for an improved political participatory process for women.
• Effective collaboration and synergy with other stakeholders, especially INEC, Security agencies, and Election Observation Groups, should be cultivated and sustained.
• Security agencies should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls, which will help in mitigating electoral violence, especially those perpetuated against women in elections.
5.0. Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria calls on women, persons with disabilities, and the good people of Bayelsa State to exercise their franchise at the polls peacefully and resist any form of vote inducement and to shun all forms of electoral violence. Political parties are also enjoined to conduct themselves creditably to promote a peaceful process.
May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria Unveils Roadmap to Bayelsa State 2023 Off-Cycle Gubernatorial Elections
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, through its intervention titled “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance,” supported by the Canada Funds for Local Initiative (CFLI), will commence a series of activities as a buildup to the Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Elections scheduled for November 11th, 2023. These activities are geared towards ensuring effective observation of the political process while synergizing with stakeholders in creating a gender-responsive and protective environment that promotes inclusivity and participation of women and other vulnerable groups in the political process.
Below are the key activities heralding the Gubernatorial Elections:
• Monday, 6th November 2023: A virtual demonstration of FIDA Nigeria’s observation tool to be deployed at the November 11th, 2023 Governorship Elections to relevant stakeholders at 3 pm Nigeria time.
• Tuesday, 7th November 2023: Stakeholders Engagement with civil society groups in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
• Wednesday, 8th November 2023: Capacity-building workshop for Women Election Observers in observing, documenting, and reporting women’s political participation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
• Thursday, 9th November 2023: Dissemination of FIDA Nigeria’s Pre-Election Statement on the preparedness of the Election Management Body (INEC) and Security agencies in enabling women’s political participation.
• Friday, 10th November 2023: Refresher training for Election Data analysts and incident reporters.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Opening of the FIDA Nigeria Election Data Analytical Centre at 7.30 am in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Dissemination of interim findings/statement from the elections by 12 noon.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Dissemination of preliminary findings/statement from the elections by 5 PM.
• Monday, 13th November 2023: Dissemination of post-election statement by noon.
Citizens are enjoined to participate in our activities, which will be amplified via our social media handles, as we envisage a safe environment for women’s participation in the electoral process.
May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President