CSOs Push for Global Visa Restrictions on Politicians in Edo Election Amidst Calls for Fairness

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are ramping up efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming Edo governorship election. Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, the Director-General of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCLCA), announced at a recent news conference in Abuja that the coalition will not hesitate to request visa restrictions on politicians and electoral offenders who attempt to undermine the democratic process.

Dr. Nwambu emphasized the importance of impartiality from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting the election. He stressed that all eligible voters, particularly those who registered during the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise, should receive their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) without delay.

The coalition also called on law enforcement agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military, to ensure the safety of voters and election observers without any bias or intimidation. Nwambu underscored the need for these agencies to follow the rules of engagement strictly and not to harass law-abiding citizens involved in the election.

Moreover, the CSOs urged the judiciary to maintain independence and vigilance during the electoral process, ensuring that justice is served without external influences from politicians. The coalition warned against any attempts to unjustly detain individuals to prevent them from participating in the election, as such actions would damage Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.

In a call to the nation’s telecommunication companies, Dr. Nwambu requested uninterrupted service during the election period to prevent any disruption of the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and ensure that election results are transmitted smoothly and viewed in real time on the INEC portal.

Mr. Bafunsho Tunde, CEO of the Organisation of Justice for Equity Sustenance, also urged registered voters to collect their PVCs and participate in the election. He reassured the public that INEC and security agencies are working diligently to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

With these efforts, the CSOs aim to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the wishes of the Edo electorate are fully respected.