The Whillz Trust Foundation, through its Youth-led Electoral Reform Project, has emphasized the importance of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process with the upcoming governorship election in Edo State on September 21. The Foundation urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a transparent and fair election, devoid of political influence.
Aaron Anyamwu, Executive Director of the Whillz Trust Foundation, highlighted that a credible election would be crucial in rebuilding trust among Edo and Nigerian youth in the electoral system. He stressed the need for INEC to improve its coordination with logistics partners, such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), to prevent delays in the delivery of election materials, which have plagued previous elections.
Anyamwu recommended several measures:
- INEC COORDINATION: Improve relationships with Electoral Officers and logistical partners to ensure timely deployment of materials.
- POLITICAL INFLUENCE: Prevent political parties and politicians from interfering in INEC’s election processes.
- TRAINING: Deploy only trained INEC personnel on election day to avoid issues with ad hoc staff.
- ASSISTIVE MATERIALS: Ensure availability of assistive voting materials such as braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, and prioritize voting for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
He also called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to provide adequate security to ensure a peaceful election. Additionally, Anyamwu urged Edo youth to engage in the election process peacefully and responsibly.