By Truth Live News Editorial Board
The Edo State governorship election of September 21, 2024, has ignited a firestorm of debate, with allegations of electoral malpractice taking centre stage. At the forefront of this controversy is Osita Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation and an esteemed public intellectual, who has meticulously laid bare what he claims to be grave manipulations of the electoral process. In response, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, has chosen to trivialize these allegations with rhetoric marked by personal attacks and deflection rather than engaging with the substance of Chidoka’s revelations.
Such conduct, unbecoming of a public servant, threatens the very foundation of democratic discourse. As Thomas Jefferson once asserted, “The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.” By sidestepping critical allegations of election fraud and opting for baseless rebuttals, Itua undermines the electorate’s right to an informed and transparent electoral process.
The Weight of Chidoka’s Evidence
Chidoka’s allegations are not mere conjectures but are grounded in empirical data and corroborated by independent investigations. He has exposed serious discrepancies in the election results, including inflated voter figures, falsified BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) records, and significant mismatches between polling unit results and INEC’s IReV uploads. The Athena Centre’s findings reveal over 100,000 unaccounted votes and multiple instances of over-voting, painting a grim picture of systemic flaws in the electoral process.
These revelations demand not dismissal but rigorous scrutiny. Election integrity is the bedrock of democracy; any compromise jeopardizes public trust and governance. Chidoka’s call for accountability, backed by evidence, is a clarion call to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
Itua’s Response: A Diversionary Tactic
Rather than addressing the specifics of Chidoka’s claims, Itua’s response has been an exercise in obfuscation. By labelling Chidoka’s findings a “media trial” and accusing the opposition of fabricating figures, Itua evades substantive engagement. Worse still, he resorts to unrelated accusations, targeting the Obaseki administration while dismissing Chidoka’s meticulous research with ad hominem attacks.
This approach is not only intellectually deficient but also dangerously authoritarian. Branding critics as “paid social media contractors” and “moles and saboteurs” seek to silence dissent, creating a chilling effect on free speech. Itua’s rhetoric undermines the principles of transparency and accountability, cornerstones of any thriving democracy.
The Erosion of Institutional Trust
By insinuating that unfavourable judicial rulings would stem from bias or blackmail, Itua’s rhetoric strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s judicial integrity. Such unfounded allegations cast aspersions on the judiciary and eroded public confidence in one of the last bastions of democracy.
This deliberate erosion of trust in democratic institutions is a dangerous precedent. It weakens the rule of law and encourages those who exploit systemic vulnerabilities for personal or political gain.
A Moral Responsibility to Act
The allegations presented by Chidoka transcend partisan politics. They demand a collective response rooted in accountability and integrity. If left unaddressed, these allegations could set a precedent for future electoral misconduct, further eroding the electorate’s confidence in the system.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has a moral and constitutional obligation to address these claims transparently. Instead of relying on propaganda, the government must engage with the evidence presented and facilitate an independent judicial review. Only through such actions can public trust be restored.
The Larger Implications for Democracy
The stakes in this matter extend far beyond the Edo governorship election. Nigeria’s electoral system’s credibility is on trial. As Chidoka’s evidence suggests, systemic flaws persist within INEC that could undermine future elections if left uncorrected.
Dismissing these concerns without thorough investigation encourages those who might exploit these weaknesses. Allowing political expediency to overshadow the imperative of electoral integrity is a dereliction of duty.
Reclaiming the Spirit of Democracy
Democracy is not merely about conducting elections; it is about ensuring that the people’s will is reflected accurately and transparently. As Joseph Stalin’s haunting words remind us, “It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.”
This grim perspective must not become the reality of Nigeria’s democracy. The true victor of the Edo election should be determined not by propaganda or intimidation but by the will of the people, expressed through a credible process.
A Call to Action
Fred Itua and the Okpebholo administration must rise above petty rhetoric and fulfil their responsibilities to the people. The allegations must be addressed openly, and the judiciary must be given the independence to adjudicate without interference.
Upholding Democratic Ideals
At this critical juncture, all stakeholders must prioritize the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. The evidence must be allowed to speak for itself, and justice must prevail. Anything less would betray the democratic ideals countless Nigerians have fought to uphold.