President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s incumbent leader, was caught violating electoral laws by displaying his marked ballot paper after casting his vote in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. The President arrived at the polling unit, located within walking distance from his residence, and was accredited at around 10:07 am.
After accreditation, President Buhari collected the ballot papers for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and he and his wife, Aisha, proceeded to the voting cubicle to cast their votes. However, after marking his ballot paper, the President displayed it to the public before putting it into the ballot box, a move that contravenes Nigeria’s electoral laws.
According to Section 146(1) of the Electoral Act, no person shall show their ballot paper to any other person to reveal the candidate they voted for or communicate the serial number or unique identifying mark on their ballot paper. The provision is meant to protect the secrecy of the ballot and prevent undue influence on voters. Violation of this provision attracts a penalty of a fine not exceeding N100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.
President Buhari’s action has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The President, who is serving his final term in office, has been accused of setting a bad precedent that could undermine the credibility of the election.
The electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has not issued any statement regarding the President’s action. However, election observers and civil society groups have condemned the move, calling for strict enforcement of electoral laws to prevent further breaches of the electoral process.
As Nigeria heads to the polls, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible. This includes upholding the principles of transparency, impartiality, and accountability, and avoiding any actions that could undermine the credibility and integrity of the electoral process. All citizens are reminded of the importance of complying with electoral laws and regulations to preserve the sanctity of the ballot and the integrity of the electoral process.
