A foreign observer for the Edo State governorship election has reported the theft of his laptop at the collation center, according to a statement shared by Senator Shehu Sani on his verified Twitter account.
The incident took place during the collation of election results, raising concerns about the safety and security at the venue.
The observer, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly attending the proceedings to monitor the collation of election results when his laptop was stolen. This theft has sparked questions regarding the security measures in place at the collation center, where both local and foreign observers gather to ensure the transparency of the electoral process.
Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker and human rights activist, expressed his dismay at the incident, describing it as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic process. He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that foreign observers are protected and treated with respect as they play a crucial role in maintaining transparency during elections.
The theft of the laptop is particularly concerning, given the sensitive nature of the information that foreign observers may store on their devices, including election data and reports. This incident could potentially undermine the confidence of international observers in Nigeria’s electoral system.
While no official statement has been made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the theft, the incident highlights the need for enhanced security and logistical arrangements during future elections.