Election ‘overshadowed by systemic failings’

The EU Election Observation Mission in Nigeria has stated that the recent elections were ‘overshadowed by systemic failings’ and demonstrated ‘the need for an inclusive national discussion on electoral reform’. A report on the allAfrica site notes that chief observer Maria Arena added that ‘the environment for this election has been difficult with cases of violence and intimidation’. An umbrella group comprising of more than 70 civil society organisations has also called for a nationwide independent inquiry into the election. The state elections took place just two weeks after Nigerians headed to the polls to vote in a shambolic presidential election which ultimately led to the victory of APC's incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.