While most Nigerian citizens are busy throwing punches at INEC, the ECOWAS Observer Mission, EOM, has declared that Saturday’s Presidential election is acceptable and meets the criteria of being free and transparent.


The mission’s head and former President of Ghana, John Kuffour expressed satisfaction with the commitment made by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, political parties, security agencies and various entities on the electoral process. He observed that the turnout of voters was generally high with a laudable participation of women and young people who displayed commendable level of patience and discipline.

“Security agents were present at most of the polling stations and on patrols in and around the cities as peaceful atmosphere prevailed in most parts of the country,’’ he said.

He also noted that agents of the major political parties, including All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and the People Democratic Party, were in attendance in most polling units.

“The process of counting at the polling stations and the subsequent collations at designated centres were successful and in accordance with the Electoral Act. Some of the challenges the mission observed during the exercise included the late arrival of INEC officials in many polling stations and malfunctioning of Card Readers across the country,’’ he said.

“Cases of attempt to snatch ballot papers were reported in some polling stations leading to instances of uproar, shootings and sporadic violence in the affected polling stations. Despite efforts by the relevant agencies to secure the electoral exercise, explosions were also recorded in some parts of the country,’’ he said.