Bye-election: Ballot Box Hijacked in Akoko North-East and West, A Blow to Democracy

The Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday, 03 February 2024, was marred by violence and chaos as suspected political thugs hijacked the ballot box at Unit 5, Ward 13 in Oyinmo, Ikare-Akoko.

This brazen act of electoral malpractice has cast a dark shadow over Nigeria’s democratic process and raised serious concerns about the integrity of future elections.

The incident took place as voting was underway in the highly anticipated by-election, which was expected to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives for the Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West Federal Constituency.

The disruption at the polling unit led to an abrupt halt in the voting process, leaving many voters disappointed and disillusioned with the state of Nigerian politics.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the attack by the hoodlums caused a commotion, and while security personnel at the polling unit were trying to restore peace and order, one of the thugs seized the ballot box and fled.

Although the result sheet, BVAS machine, and other materials were not taken, the incident has undoubtedly undermined the credibility of the electoral process.

This latest episode of election violence in Nigeria comes at a time when the country is already grappling with a myriad of challenges, including widespread poverty, economic instability, and security threats.

The hijacking of the ballot box in the Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West by-election is a stark reminder of the need for stronger measures to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions and protect the rights of its citizens to participate in free and fair elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but it is expected that they will launch a full investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian people are left to ponder the implications of this brazen act of electoral malpractice and the potential impact it may have on the country’s political landscape in the months and years to come.