Transparency International warns against military influence in the upcoming election
Transparency International has expressed concern over what it calls the militarisation of elections in Nigeria by the Federal Government.
The agency warned against the excessive use of heavily armed security personnel during elections, insisting that the action leads to intimidation and denies people the right to choose their preferred candidates without fear.
They made their position known on Wednesday during the presentation of a preliminary report on ‘The Involvement of security services in the electoral process: Guardian or threat to democracy.’
“The high policing of elections by a plethora of security agencies will not only make it impossible for members of the opposition to go out to vote, out of fear of intimidation but also for the general electorate not to exercise their franchise,” the report read.
“The solution to the involvement of the Nigerian Armed forces and other para-military/security services, beyond the Police, in electoral processes is to stop it without further delay.”
As Nigeria general elections fast approaches in February, many international organizations and governments have been advising Nigerians to choose the path of peace and fair play.
