Off circle election: Intrigues, anxiety as 104 candidates battle in Imo, Kogo, Bayelsa poll
At last, the stage is ready, having been set for more than a year. Nine women among the 104 candidates who will compete for six positions three for governor and three for deputy governor in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi will go to the field today.
Two of the nine women are running for governor, and the other seven are battling for deputy governor.
The election schedule was made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, in October 2022. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s term ends on January 14, 2024. Senator Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi expire on January 26, 2024 and February 13, 2024, respectively.
The three governors are in the midst of life-threatening political struggles. Bello is fighting to elect Usman Ododo, his preferred candidate, while Diri and Uzodimma are competing for reelection.
The elections are taking place despite concerns about voter indifference brought on by instability. Insecurity has destroyed no fewer than 15 of Imo’s 27 local councils. Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas in Bayelsa are possible hotspots. In Kogi, which likewise has a lot of flashpoints, a similar situation exists.
In order to guarantee peaceful drills, the security authorities have pledged sufficient security and sent personnel to the states.
The Police, Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, and even the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses (ICPC) sent out monitors to prevent vote buying and selling during the polls. These security organizations sent out officers.