The head of mission, Nigeria, of an international election observer agency, the International Organisation for Sustainable Development, Dr Timothy Ihemadu, says he is happy with the restored confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and expects a peaceful exercise on Saturday.
All eyes will be on Nigeria as the citizens go to the polls to elect their President as well as National Assembly leaders for the next four years.
The elections, touted as one of the most keenly contested since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, features a third force for the first time with the youths actively involved in the polity.
Dr Ihemadu, who is in Abia State to observe electoral proceedings, said he was optimistic of a huge turnout on Saturday despite the challenges the country in faced with.
He says, “for now everywhere is calm and people are very enthusiastic about the coming elections. There is restored confidence in the electoral process. I’ve never seen this kind of belief that a system will work and so it is expected that there will be a huge turnout tomorrow in spite of the threats by those who are trying to those who are trying to disrupt the system but the police has assured the people of the state and Nigeria that they have done everything, cross the Ts and dot the Is, to make sure there is adequate security for the electorates to go and cast their votes.
“Everybody is in high spirits and we are moving to the next level and that’s a good development for the country despite also the cash crunch making people have difficulties in moving from place to place, feeding and stocking up on food supplies at home.”
With the challenges associated with the cash crunch, Dr. Ihemadu predicts that it would motivate the more than 2 million
eligible voters in Abia state to take part in the process rather than stay away from the polling units.
“I see the hardship being something that will make people to also come out in full force and in full gear to make a statement of what they want, that’s what I’m getting from the feelers around,” he added.
Confidence Okwuchi
