The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently conducted off-season elections in three states, which has raised concerns among various stakeholders in Nigeria.
The trend of off-season elections gained momentum following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned the victory of Chris Ngige, a candidate from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2003 Anambra State governorship election and declared Peter Obi, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as the winner.
Currently, Nigeria has witnessed off-season governorship elections in eight states, including Anambra, Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Imo, each with its own election timetable.
Imo State’s election deviated from the regular cycle when the Supreme Court nullified the victory of Emeka Ihedioha, who had been declared the winner of the 2019 governorship election. The court ordered INEC to issue a fresh certificate of return to Hope Uzodinma, the current governor.
Off-season elections first emerged in Bayelsa State in 2007 when Timipre Sylva, the PDP’s governorship candidate, was initially declared the winner. However, the election was nullified after Ebitimi Amgbare of the Action Congress of Nigeria challenged the PDP’s victory in court. Amgbare eventually won at the Court of Appeal, leading to a fresh election in 2008.
Similar scenarios unfolded in Ondo State, where the court removed Olusegun Agagu of the PDP, who sought re-election in 2007, and declared Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party as the rightful winner.
Kogi, Edo, Osun, and Ekiti States also experienced off-season elections due to electoral litigations that nullified the governorship polls conducted during general elections.
The recent off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa, which took place eight months after the 2023 general elections, were accompanied by significant financial expenses, including a budget of about N18 billion for the polls and additional costs for security measures.
Critics argue that conducting off-season elections separately from the general elections contributes to irregularities, and they suggest that all electoral matters should be concluded before the inauguration of elected officials. Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concern that if off-season elections persist, even the presidential election could eventually be conducted separately.
Stakeholders, including Dr. Onome Anthony, a member of the Labour Party, call on the National Assembly to enact legislation mandating the judiciary to expedite electoral matters to prevent delayed resolutions and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
They argue that waiting until after the inauguration of elected officials to address election-related issues undermines the fairness and independence of the judiciary, potentially leading to compromised rulings in favor of ruling parties.
Opposition Grows Against Off-Season Elections in Nigeria
There is an increasing opposition to off-season elections in Nigeria, with concerns being raised by various stakeholders.
The trend of off-season elections gained momentum after a Supreme Court ruling in 2003 declared Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner of the Anambra State governorship election, overturning the victory of Chris Ngige from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Off-season elections have been conducted in eight states, including Anambra, Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Imo, each with its own election timetable.
Imo State’s election deviated from the regular cycle when the Supreme Court nullified the victory of Emeka Ihedioha, the declared winner of the 2019 governorship election, and declared Hope Uzodinma as the rightful winner.
Similar situations occurred in other states like Bayelsa, Ondo, Kogi, Edo, Osun, and Ekiti due to electoral litigations that nullified the governorship polls conducted during general elections.
The recent off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa, held eight months after the 2023 general elections, incurred significant financial expenses, including a budget of approximately N18 billion, along with additional costs for security measures.
Critics argue that conducting off-season elections separately from the general elections contributes to irregularities. They propose that all electoral matters should be resolved before the inauguration of elected officials. Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concerns that if off-season elections continue, even the presidential election could eventually be conducted separately.
Stakeholders, including Dr. Onome Anthony, a member of the Labour Party, call on the National Assembly to pass legislation mandating the judiciary to expedite electoral matters. This would prevent delayed resolutions and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
They argue that waiting until after the inauguration of elected officials to address election-related issues undermines the fairness and independence of the judiciary, potentially leading to compromised rulings in favor of ruling parties.
Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, also supports enacting a law to stop off-season elections, citing their impact on legislative agendas and decision-making processes.
However, some express skepticism about the National Assembly’s willingness to pass such a law, suggesting that the current leadership is self-centered and motivated by personal gain.
While stopping off-season elections is seen as a positive step, critics emphasize the need to address the deeper issues affecting the electoral process, such as corruption within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They propose establishing an Election Crimes Commission and special courts to try election offenders, partnering with existing anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC and the EFCC to combat election fraud effectively.
