Nigeria is currently counting the votes after local elections that were marked by tension and violence. The elections were held on Saturday, March 18, and were considered a crucial test of Nigeria’s democracy, as they were the first local elections to be held since the country’s general election in 2023.
The elections were held in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with more than 1,000 candidates vying for positions ranging from councillors to chairmen of local governments. However, the voting process was marred by allegations of vote-rigging and violence, with reports of shootings, ballot-box snatching, and the burning of polling stations in some areas.
Despite the incidents of violence, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the elections as generally peaceful and has commended the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining law and order. The INEC has also assured Nigerians that it is doing everything possible to ensure that the votes are counted accurately and transparently.
The results of the elections are expected to be announced in the coming days, with some experts predicting that the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), could win most of the seats. However, the opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the APC of vote rigging and has called for the cancellation of the elections in some areas.
Nigeria has a history of electoral violence, with previous elections marred by rigging, violence, and voter intimidation. The local elections held on Saturday were seen as a crucial test of the country’s democracy, and the world is watching to see whether Nigeria can conduct free and fair elections.
