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Nigeria Decides 2019

#NigeriaDecides2019: Election observer, YIAGA Africa, says supervisor arrested in Kaduna

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With reports of rigging and ballot snatching in different polling unit across the country still trickling in, there has now been claims of arrest and detention of an observer.

Election observer group, YIAGA Africa, decried the arrest and detention of accredited observers in Kaduna State during today’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

The group also said that it received reports of snatching of elections materials in Rivers State just as it also raised alarm on vote buying in Kogi State. They also hinted at access denial to some polling units in Yobe State.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram terrorists prevent Gov Ibrahim Geidam from voting in Yobe

YIAGA which stated that it deployed 3,906 observers throughout the country also said that its supervisor was arrested and detained in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

While briefing Journalists in a preliminary report on Saturday in Abuja,YIAGA representative, Dr. Hussein, said “As of 12:00 am, the YIAGA AFRICA WatV Data Center had received 110 verified critical incident reports primarily concerning the late opening of polls.

“Of additional note are arrest and detention of accredited observers. In Kafanchan, the YIAGA Africa supervisor was arrested and detained at the Kafanchan Area Command in Kaduna State. This was however resolved as the observer was later released.

“Observers not allowed to observe. YIAGA Africa received reports from one polling unit in Yobe State, Machina Local Government Area, Damai Ward where observers were denied access to the polling unit to observe.”

However, the group says it is in contact with local authorities and continues to follow the situation closely.

“Election materials were reported to be snatched by unknown persons at RAC centre in Okirika LGA, Rivers State which led to no voting in ward 06,07,08 and 09 of Okirika LGA in Rivers State. This was reported in PU 003 ward, 10 Emohua LGA, Rivers State. “Reports of vote buying in PU 010/01/10/13 Omala LGA in Kogi State.”

Speaking on the turnout of voters during the elections, “YIAGA Africa commends the Nigerian people for their resilience and commitment to vote in this election. We urge voters to remain patient and vigilant to ensure their votes count.”

By Precious Akpadaka…

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