No fewer than 150 people were killed during the Nigerian Presidential, National Assembly and Governorship elections, the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria has said.
In its report released on Saturday, the EUEOM said the the presidential and governorship elections were truncated by incumbency factor.
The report also stated that the suspension of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, few weeks to the election was without due process and an intimidation of the judicial independence.
The Chief Observer of the mission, Maria Arena, said from cross references, it was noted that 150 people were killed during the election.
“The elections became increasingly marred by violence and intimidation, with the role of the security agencies becoming more contentious as the process progressed”, the report said.
It also recommended 30 areas of improvement which would help elections and electioneering campaigns in Nigeria.
On reforms and recommendations for subsequent elections, the EU Chief Observer further said that, “Such reform
needs political leadership that is dedicated to the rights of Nigerian citizens, and an inclusive process of national dialogue involving state institutions, parties, civil society and the media.
.“This needs to be urgently undertaken to allow time for debate, legislative changes and implementation well in advance of the next elections,” she added.
Accordingly, the EU EOM said, “Overall, the elections were marked by severe operational and transparency
shortcomings, electoral security problems and low turnout.
“Positively, however, the elections were competitive, parties were able to campaign and civil society enhanced
accountability.”
Leading parties, the EU EOM said, were at fault in not reining in acts of violence and intimidation by their supporters, and abuse of incumbency at federal and state levels.