Observers question validity of election results in Rivers State

Some international observers, who monitored the presidential and National Assembly elections in Rivers State have alleged wide irregularities and violence in the conduct of last Saturday's elections.

The observers also alleged severe challenges due to the non-functionality of electronic card readers, causing lengthy delays and reporting irregularities.

Leader of the group, Jennifer Lynne of the Contact Project, United States of America, further said tampering with election materials, questions of security concerns and reports of misconduct of election officials and candidates were some of the challenges noticed during the election in the state.

Lynne said, "During the process yesterday, we had the opportunity to travel around Rivers State observing many polling units, and in conjunction with additional support from our colleagues, received feedback on the broader electoral process in Rivers State.

"As many have reported, we would confirm the difficulties of availability and security of result sheets. Ranging from distribution to collection, many stations were compromised due to the handling of these materials.

"In addition, as widely reported, we observed severe challenges due to dysfunctional card readers, causing lengthy delays, voter denial and reporting irregularities. Further concerns include the tampering of election materials, questions of security concerns, and reports of misconduct by election officials and candidates.

"Areas affective but are not limited to Omuma, Tai, Ahoada-East, Ogu/Bolo, Bonny and Khana. The documentation of these events would lead us to question the validity of the results with Rivers State."

She stated that CP would be making a full report to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of the larger observation feedback provided by organisations within Nigeria.

She restated the commitment of her group to the success of the electoral process in Nigeria.

Credit: Ernest Chinwo/ThisDay