The European Union (EU) in its report has claimed that at least 74 fatalities were recorded in 101 violent incidents that occurred during the 2023 electioneering period in Nigeria.
The EU mentioned this in its final report titled “Election Observation Mission NIGERIA 2023” and obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday.
The union claimed that all the recorded violent incidents occurred during the campaigning period, adding that killings became more increased when the election drew nearer.
According to the report, the violence obstructed the integral parts of the election and suppressed active participation of voters.
The statement reads: “The EU EOM recorded 101 violent incidents during the campaign, including at least 74 fatalities.
Assassination attempts and killings increased closer to the polls, creating a particularly insecure environment in the southern states. In several northern states, systematic attacks by political thugs on rallies and political opponents were observed. Use of violence obstructed the campaign, disturbed the elections, and suppressed voter participation.
“Campaigning was also distorted by an influx of unrecorded money and despite campaign finance being comprehensively regulated the law appears largely ineffective.
“EU EOM observers received reports of and saw widespread distribution of goods and vote buying. Several state agencies tried to tackle corrupt practices, yet their results were modest. This is evidencing that political will, enhanced institutional capacity, and robust enforcement synergy are needed to ensure transparency and genuine accountability.”
One of the victims of this electoral violence was Samuel Arunsi Eze, who was allegedly beheaded by a political thug known as Daniel Mgba in in Ndi Agwu community of Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, South-East Nigeria.
Meanwhile, in a related report, Nigeria recorded 339 incidents of election violence in 2022, Kimpact Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation working to advance good governance and democratic rights, said.
The organisation had said 165 people lost their lives as a result of political violence.
