Reno Omokri, a renowned author and social activist, has claimed that forensic analysis of the presidential election results held on February 25, 2023, has revealed over-voting in more than 10,000 polling units (PUs), accounting for nearly eight percent of all PUs in Nigeria.
According to Omokri, the alleged over-voting was possible because of manual voter accreditation and vote transmission instead of the legally required electronic accreditation through Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.
Omokri further urged the Nigerian judiciary to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022 and ensure justice prevails. He expressed hope that the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) would dispense impartial justice, and added that Nigerians should voice their concerns against any miscarriage of justice by the Nigerian Judiciary.
In a statement titled “An Action Call To Save Democracy in Nigeria,” Omokri asserted that the ruling party’s candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was declared President-elect based mainly on the votes he amassed in some of the 10,000 PUs where over-voting allegedly occurred. He further cited Section 47(3) of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which states that if a smart card reader or any other technological device deployed for voter accreditation fails to function, the election in that unit shall be canceled, and another election shall be scheduled.
Omokri also criticized the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, who leads the judiciary and set up the PEPT, for praising the ruling party in November 2022, which has led to millions of Nigerians doubting his ability to head an impartial judiciary.
Nigerians are called upon to use their good offices, however small they may seem, to support the cause of justice and tell the Nigerian Judiciary that the world is watching the PEPT and hopes it will abide by the provisions of the law.
In conclusion, Omokri’s allegation of over-voting in more than 10,000 polling units during Nigeria’s presidential election raises concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. The Nigerian judiciary is urged to dispense justice impartially, according to the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022. Nigerians are also encouraged to speak up against any miscarriage of justice by the Nigerian Judiciary.