Nigeria 2019 Elections: U.S. Says There’s Evidence Army, DSS Intimidated Voters, Observers, Others

The U.S. Department of State has said there was evidence that the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies allegedly intimidated voters, observers and electoral officials in the 2019 general elections.

The U.S federal department said this in its country report on human rights practices in 2019.

The department added that Nigeria’s 2019 elections were characterized by violence and malpractices which in turn affected voter turnout in the entire process.

The report which was titled “2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria” was released on March 11, 2020

“There was evidence military and security services intimidated voters, electoral officials, and election observers. In addition violence in several states contributed to lower voter participation and added to the sentiment the army is a tool of the ruling party in many parts of the country, particularly in the South.

“For example, widespread violence and military involvement in electoral processes, including during the vote collation process, significantly scarred the governorship election in Rivers State. Additionally several of INEC’s resident electoral commissioners (RECs) reported DSS operatives intimidated them when the RECs attempted to protect voting materials.

“Some RECs reported security service personnel visited them multiple times prior to the elections. Press reported certain RECs claimed the DSS was surveilling the RECs and that they had been brought to DSS offices for questioning,” the report partly read.

According to the report, the 2018-19 electoral season witnessed high vote-buying and corruption, especially in Osun and Kano States.

The report further indicted the Nigerian judiciary for corruption, adding that it was still susceptible to intimidation from the executive and the legislative arms of government.

“Although the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, the judicial branch remained susceptible to pressure from the executive and legislative branches. Political leaders influenced the judiciary, particularly at the state and local levels.

“Understaffing, underfunding, inefficiency, and corruption prevented the judiciary from functioning adequately. There are no continuing education requirements for attorneys, and police officers were often assigned to serve as prosecutors. Judges frequently failed to appear for trials. In addition, the salaries of court officials were low, and they often lacked proper equipment and training.

“Although the Ministry of Justice implemented strict requirements for education and length of service for judges at the federal and state levels, no requirements or monitoring bodies existed for judges at the local level. This contributed to corruption and the miscarriage of justice in local courts,” part of the report said.