A coalition of several civil society groups, the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), says the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections in Ekiti State were among the best in Nigeria.

The NHRC, while saying the elections were without challenges, stated that the transparency, effectiveness, and promptness of the process were a reference point for future elections in Nigeria.

It added that the fact that Ekiti was the first to release its result indicated the effectiveness of the process.

The group made this known via a statement issued on Monday.

The group, which deployed 400 poll monitors in 16 local Government areas and 19 Local Council Development Areas of Ekiti State, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to improve on the provision of more polling units and employment of more ad hoc staff to speed up the process.

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The NHRC commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for providing a non-violent environment and for personally leading the campaign for a free and fair election ahead of Saturday’s general election, adding that the governor demonstrated unique statesmanship.

It further stated that the results of the elections expressed the will of the people, noting that there were no violent incidences or major disturbances in all the 177 wards, local governments, and in all the polling units in the state.

“We think Nigeria needs to learn a lot from the conduct of the National Election in Ekiti State. The election materials arrived as early as 7am in 90 percent of the polling units. The party agents conducted themselves in the most civil manner without pronounced cases of skirmishes.

“The security operatives were well detailed and professional in their conducts. We commend the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) officials and the police for their professional conduct during the exercise,” the group said.

The group said there was lack of intimidation of voters, and vote-buying, adding that ballot boxes were not snatched or destroyed during  the exercise.

“We see this as a very impressive development. It’s a lesson Nigeria needs to emulate.

“One of the lessons is that the mindset, orientation and perspective of the political and cultural leadership is important in determining the outcome of elections.

“Where political leaders consciousnessly preach against violence through constructive engagement with stakeholders, irrespective of their political leaning, the prospect of having a free and fair election will be very high,” the NHRC stated.

The group, however, hinged the low turnout of voters to lack of mobility for voters and the negative impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cash crunch which it said denied many voters the opportunity of traveling to their communities to cast their votes.

“We also observed that Ekiti needs more polling booths. The distance between one polling booth and the other fall below global standards.

“We urge INEC to list Ekiti State as one of the communities that are in crucial need of more polling units. From our estimation, Ekiti needs no fewer than 500 more polling units to be able to meet the electoral expectations of the population,” it added.

The Star