A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission Prof Lai Olurode on Friday raised questions over the 2023 general elections saying insecurity posed a great challenge.
Olurode spoke at the 10th year anniversary of the passing of the former Governor of Oyo State Alhaji Lam Adesina.
Olurode, who recently retired as a professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, university was the Guest Speaker at the event.
In his speech, Olurode identified two dimensions to Nigeria’s security conundrum adding that the 2023 depended on the degree of security the government can provide.
On the one hand and which is more fundamental is the reproduction of social life – security of basic needs of existence – food, shelter, clothing, etc. Then, comes in security of life and property, security from life threatening situations.”
The former INEC National Commissioner said at no time has Nigeria been this challenged.
“Nigeria, in recent memory had never been this challenged in term of threats to the economy, life and property. Rampage by bandits and kidnappers had become widespread as Nigeria is close to the Hobbesian brutal state of nature,” he told the audience.
He said there is no way what he called “This state of generalized insecurity” would not affect the 2023 polls.
He stated further, “For example, the indigenous People of Biafra – IPOB – is insisting that elections in the south east region might not hold while Kanu is in incarceration.”
Making reference to a recent comment by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai “the security situation in the northwest poses a serious challenge to next year’s elections in the region.”
He said Food insecurity challenges what Nigerians now contend with adding this had been compounded by kidnapping of farm workers and farmers.
READ ALSO:
- Funminiyi Afuye: A Good Man Gomes Home
- INEC: Attacks on Facilities Raise Fresh Apprehensions Over 2023
- 2023: Tinubu May Be Disqualified From Contesting, Says Bwala
He said, “If security challenges persist in areas where a particular political party has most loyal members and with large concentration of voters, they may be scared and stay away from polling units on election day. The overall outcome will be affected.”
Olurode’s speech came on day the INEC held a meeting of its inter-Agency committee on election security where security chiefs deliberated on latest attacks on the commission’s facilities across the country.
At least, two more attacks were carried out on INEC offices in Osun and Ogun on Wednesday.