CNPP Threatens to Boycott Kogi State Local Government Election, Citing Lack of Transparency

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has declared that it will boycott the upcoming Kogi State local government election, which is scheduled for October 19, 2024.

Abdullahi criticized the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), alleging that the electoral body had failed to involve all relevant parties in the preparations for the council elections. He expressed concerns over a lack of transparency, citing the ongoing preparations as an example.

“It is totally unacceptable for KOSIEC to be organizing training ahead of the Local Government election without any political party in attendance. Up till this moment, we are yet to know the modality for the council election,” Abdullahi said.

He accused KOSIEC of favoring certain groups, stating, “They are making us conclude that before you participate in an election in Kogi State, you must belong to their cabal or secret cult. KOSIEC is supposed to be a neutral body, unfortunately, what we are seeing today, the reverse is the case.”

The CNPP chairman warned that proceeding with the election under such circumstances would undermine democracy, suggesting that the electoral body may be biased toward the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). He questioned the integrity of the process, adding, “It will be a rape of democracy if the electoral body dances to the tune of the APC just to allow their foot soldiers in power.”

Abdullahi further expressed concern over the future of democracy in the state, noting, “It will be a curse to our present and future generations if, as stakeholders today, we fold our arms and allow some power-drunk individuals to deny innocent Kogites purposeful representation at the grassroots. Nigeria is undergoing political reforms that must be sustained.”

He concluded by stating that, due to the loss of confidence in the electoral commission, the CNPP might withdraw from participating in the upcoming council polls.