VZCZCXRO0814
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DE RUEHUJA #0746/01 1091529
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 191529Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9229
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHWR/AMEMBASSY WARSAW 0252
RUEHCD/AMCONSUL CIUDAD JUAREZ 0248
RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 6631
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ABUJA 000746 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PHUM NI ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: OBSERVATION OF GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS: A REGIONAL 
PERSPECTIVE 
 
REF: A. ABUJA 716 AND PREVIOUS 
     ¶B. ABUJA 717 
     ¶C. ABUJA 731 
 
ABUJA 00000746  001.2 OF 005 
 
 
THIS MESSAGE IS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED.  NOT FOR INTERNET 
DISTRIBUTION. 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY.  A single characterization of the April 14 
gubernatorial and state assembly elections across Nigeria's 
six geopolitical zones is impossible.  Observations cover the 
full range -- from parts of Enugu and the Niger Delta regions 
where elections were simply never held, to some areas of the 
North Central and North East where the elections could be 
regarded as fairly credible, and the full spectrum in 
between.  What we did observe as a trend in all areas was 
disorganization, lack of trained officials, poor voter lists 
and a lack of privacy (ref A).  This cable will detail the 
specific problems observed by Mission and other observers in 
each of the geopolitical zones.  END SUMMARY. 
 
North Central Zone 
------------------ 
 
¶2. (SBU) Polls were generally open by approximately 1100, 
although some areas of Jos, Plateau state reported opening as 
late as 1400.  In most places polling concluded by 1600. 
There were varying degrees of adherence to INEC guidelines on 
posting of voters lists, procedures for verifying 
registration and marking of the voters card and the 
individual's finger after voting.  In areas of Jos where no 
voter list was given to polling officials, the officials were 
noting the names of those who voted and told observers there 
was an agreement with collation centers to accept these 
votes.  Observers in Makurdi, Benue state reported tensions 
rising as early as 1100 as a result of insufficient materials 
delivered to polling stations.  Mission observers in Jos 
noted a mob forming on the edge of town by noon on election 
day.  In Nasarawa state, some tension was observed when 
voters found that at least one major candidate was not on the 
gubernatorial ballot. 
 
¶3. (SBU) While our own counts of votes throughout the nation 
were sparse, it was noted that the ANPP was performing much 
better in Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and Plateau states than 
indicated in the INEC-announced results.  We have little 
direct information on the switching of numbers, but another 
international observer commented that their group had "direct 
evidence" of changes in the numbers from the polling stations 
to the collation centers. 
 
¶4. (SBU) INEC announced PDP victory in all six north central 
states. In the aftermath of the announced election results, 
sporadic violence has been reported in Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, 
Benue and Plateau states. 
 
North West Zone 
--------------- 
 
¶5. (SBU) The Mission fielded observers in Kaduna, Kano, 
Katsina, and Sokoto States.  Most polling stations opened 
between 0830 and 1100, though some areas of old Kano city 
opened as late as 1400.  Local contacts report that in 
Malumfashi and Funtua, in Katsina state, no materials were 
received and no election took place.  Despite the late 
opening of some stations, polls closed between 1530 and 1700, 
causing agitation among voters who had waited from early 
morning but could not cast their vote.  INEC officials lacked 
proper training and many stations received insufficient 
voting materials, including ballots.  Voters reported 
problems finding the correct polling stations as none had 
been identified ahead of time.  Privacy of votes was absent 
at almost all polling stations, with party agents and others 
(possibly, security services) hovering over voters.  At one 
station in old Kano city, party agents kept a list of voters' 
names and who they voted for.  At one polling station in 
Katsina, observers witnessed party agents bribing voters in 
line.  Underage voting was observed in Kano, Katsina and 
Sokoto states.  As well, observers noted extremely low 
turnout of women, except in Sokoto state.  Voter turnout 
 
ABUJA 00000746  002.2 OF 005 
 
 
across the zone varied, with areas of Kano city as low as 10 
percent, Katsina estimated at 30 percent, Sokoto at 40 and 
Kaduna at as much as 35 percent. 
 
¶6. (SBU) Sporadic violence was reported across all observed 
states of the North West, with the exception of Sokoto and 
Kaduna.  In northern Kaduna, there were reports of ballot 
boxes being carried off.  Mission observers witnessed police 
transporting electoral materials and ballot boxes.  At one 
station, observers were told that ballot boxes had been 
stolen earlier in the day by "gangs of PDP youth."  There 
were reports from Katsina that the houses of PDP elders were 
burned for allegedly trying to perpetuate irregularities. 
At one polling station in old Kano city, observers were 
caught in a riot when hundreds of angry youth carrying 
machetes and sticks stormed the station.  In Katsina city, 
observers abruptly left a polling station as throngs of 
youths armed with sticks ran towards the station, presumably 
in an attempt to steal the ballot box.  SSS agents approached 
and harassed Mission personnel at polling stations in Kano. 
In contrast to other areas of the North West, elections in 
Sokoto appeared calm and orderly.  No elections-related 
violence was reported nor any attempts at ballot box stuffing 
or theft. 
 
¶7. (SBU) INEC announced PDP victory in Kaduna, Katsina, 
Kebbi, Sokoto, and Jigawa states and an ANPP victory in Kano 
and Zamfara.  Sporadic violence has been reported in Katsina, 
Kano and, to a lesser extent, Kaduna states. 
 
North East Zone 
--------------- 
 
¶8. (SBU) The Mission fielded observers in Bauchi and Gombe 
states.  Polls opened in most areas by 1000, with city 
centers opening earlier than outlying villages as materials 
arrived faster.  Mission employees observed varying degrees 
of disorganization at polling stations, but overall noted the 
efforts of INEC polling officials to overcome problems with 
voter lists and lack of materials.  In one local government 
area, polling stations did not receive fingerprint stamp pads 
(fingerprints were used to mark ballots); instead, officials 
used a marker to ink the voters' fingers.  The lack of a 
standardized, alphabetized voter list caused considerable 
delays at some polling stations (up to 25 minutes to process 
each voter), although others received alphabetized lists and 
this cut the time to 3-4 minutes.  Observers noted incidents 
of underage voting, ranging from up to 20 percent of the 
voters in line at one polling station to none at another. 
Observers reported a low turnout of women voters.  There were 
varying degrees of voter privacy at polling stations, ranging 
from one police officer standing over the ballot box to a 
village that constructed their own thatch voting booth. 
Several observers were informed of allegations of multiple 
voting and Mission observers witnessed a ballot box 
tug-of-war between party agents over accusations of multiple 
voting at one polling station.  Mission observers reported 
seeing pick-up trucks with machette-wielding young men in 
Alkaleri and domestic observers reported seeing similar 
groups of men carry off ballot boxes in Alkaleri, Ganji and 
Gombe.  Media contacts reported security agents carried away 
as many as 40 ballot boxes in Alkaleri and Ganji. 
 
¶9. (SBU) Some polling stations remained open past 1500 to 
allow voters in line to cast their ballots, while others 
which had opened late were closed when observers returned at 
1400 (making it impossible to vote for all who desired to do 
so).  Polling stations where Mission observers watched part 
or all of the count were peaceful, although there was 
considerable interest from non-accredited individuals.  ANPP 
party agents in Bauchi city were well organized and 
communicated regularly between polling stations as the 
counting began.  Mission and international observers reported 
an ANPP victory (with 2-3 times more votes than PDP) where 
they observed the count, which corresponds to the margin 
reported by domestic observers.  Despite an observed 
determination on the part of the voters, often standing in 
line for hours to cast their vote, turnout at observed 
stations was generally only 30-40 percent of the registered 
 
ABUJA 00000746  003.2 OF 005 
 
 
voters. 
 
¶10. (SBU) INEC announced PDP victory in Gombe, Adamawa, and 
Taraba states.  ANPP won in Bauchi, Yobe and Borno states. 
Street violence erupted near collation centers and INEC 
offices in Bauchi on Sunday as ANPP supporters suspected 
delays in announcing the results meant PDP tampering. 
Sporadic violence has been reported in Adamawa, Taraba and 
Gombe states since the results were announce. 
 
South East Zone 
--------------- 
 
¶11. (SBU) Mission observers visited polling stations in Enugu 
and Anambra states.  Most, but not all, polling stations in 
Enugu had voters lists posted; no voters lists were posted in 
Anambra.  Voting, when it occurred, began late: after 1100 in 
Awka and not at all in other areas of Anambra and after 1530 
in Enugu city.  Election materials were not distributed until 
after mid-day in Enugu due to opposition protests which 
stemmed from the absence of vote tally sheets (ref B).  Poll 
closing time was officially extended until 1800 in Enugu; 
however, most polling stations never opened, and of the few 
that did many in Enugu town opened as late as 1700.  Many 
potential voters were turned away because they were not on 
the voter list, although they possessed a voters card for 
that polling station.  As a result, Mission observers noted 
that no more than 40 ballots had been cast at any of the 
polling stations we observed.  Lack of materials was a 
significant problem in all areas of Anambra and Enugu.  Most 
stations were supplied with only 100 ballots, while having 
any where from 200 to 1,000 registered voters.  Despite 
recent court cases ordering his inclusion, Anambra state 
ballots omitted the name of AC gubernatorial candidate Chris 
Ngige.  There was a pervasive problem of lack of privacy, 
with Mission observers only finding one polling station where 
votes were not cast directly in front of polling officials 
and party agents.  Domestic observer groups in Imo, Abia and 
Ebonyi states reported similar problems to those observed in 
Enugu and Anambra. 
 
¶12. (SBU) Due to the late start of voting and growing tension 
in Enugu, no vote counts were observed by Mission observers 
in the Southeast region.  All the polling stations we 
observed in Anambra were missing vote tally sheets and it was 
unclear how the vote count would be recorded at the end of 
the day.  Gunshots were heard on the streets of Enugu by dark 
and Mission observers were unable to watch vote counts for 
security reasons.  Mission drivers who went out at 1830 to 
refuel witnessed carloads of armed men driving through town 
and discharging weapons in the air.  Police reportedly 
observed the shooting and did nothing. 
 
¶13. (SBU) INEC has announced PDP victories in Ebonyi and 
Anambra states and PPA victory in Abia.  Gubernatorial 
elections in Imo have been annulled due to violence and will 
be rescheduled for April 28; however, results of the State 
Assembly elections will stand.  In Enugu, gubernatorial 
results will not be announced until rescheduled elections are 
held on April 26 in four of the seventeen local government 
areas.  Sporadic violence has been reported in Ebonyi, Abia, 
Enugu and Imo states.  Serious sporadic violence has been 
reported in Anambra state. 
 
South South Zone 
---------------- 
 
¶14. (SBU) Violence plagued the South South zone and elections 
did not occur in many places.  Most international elections 
observers avoided the Niger Delta States of Rivers, Delta, 
Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom because of on-going violence; Mission 
observed elections in Edo state only. There, INEC's 
preparation was poor and Mission observers watched the 
distribution of election materials in one area of Benin City. 
 Materials were distributed on an ad-hoc basis, with no 
regard to the number of registered voters for each polling 
station. As a result, many stations had insufficient 
materials and some never received voting materials. Mission 
observers saw significant numbers of under-aged voters.  They 
 
ABUJA 00000746  004.2 OF 005 
 
 
witnessed armed militants invading polling stations, 
intimidating election officials, and snatching ballot boxes 
in Edo. In Benin City an NDI observer team was present when a 
half dozen men armed with machine guns entered a polling 
station, fired shots and snatched a ballot box. At least one 
bystander was wounded. Overall, media reports more than a 
dozen people dead in electoral violence in Edo state. 
 
¶15. (SBU) NGO and international media sources indicate that 
polls never opened in more than 80 percent of the locations 
in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states. 
Vote counts were a source of numerous complaints across the 
South South. In most cases, results were not announced at the 
functioning polling locations.  In many cases results 
reported to collation centers were inconsistent with those 
witnessed by party agents and observers at polling stations. 
There were cases of vote tallies submitted for areas where no 
elections were conducted because of a lack of materials -- 
with some areas alleging as much as 90 percent turnout.  As 
well, there were allegations of stuffed ballot boxes. 
Mission observers were told by an INEC supervisor in Ekpohma 
that more than 2,600 voters had voted in 4 hours, more than 
quadruple rate observed elsewhere in the state -- increasing 
the suspicion of an attempt to cover up ballot stuffing and 
account for the extra votes. Perceptions of unfairness and 
tampering led to protests at the INEC headquarters in Edo and 
Delta states on April 15 and 16 before results were 
announced. Protests turned to riots after results were 
released in Benin City and a 0600 to 1800 curfew was imposed. 
 
¶16. (SBU) INEC announced PDP victory in all six South South 
states.  Serious sporadic violence has been reported in 
Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states. 
 
South-West Zone 
--------------- 
 
¶17. (SBU) Voting in the South West started in most areas by 
approximately 1100.  Some areas reported insufficient ballots 
for the number of registered voters.  Areas of Lagos reported 
varying degrees of organization, with some polling stations 
operating fairly efficiently while others report party agents 
had to answer questions from the INEC staff on proper 
procedure.  One polling station in Lagos apparently received 
the wrong voters list and turned all voters away (as their 
names did not appear on the list).  Voting privacy was an 
issue at most stations visited in the zone.  At a few polling 
stations, party agents were calling out the names of voters 
on a bullhorn to "inform" the voter that they can vote. 
Mission observers in Uselu area of Lagos saw a group of 20 
youths running through a polling station.  Police later told 
the observers the youths had been intimidating voters.  By 
mid afternoon, reports were coming in to police stations in 
Lagos, Lyanpaja and Agege that unknown thugs had seized 
polling stations and taken ballot boxes.  RSO office contacts 
report that an army task force was keeping most people from 
voting in Ajah area of Lagos.  As well, Mission observers 
reported sporadic unrest as voters became frustrated by the 
long wait time and a lack of materials at some stations. 
 
¶18. (SBU) Observers in the Festac Town area of Lagos visited 
an INEC office at 1415 where they observed numerous stacks of 
ballots being handled in the office.  The observers were told 
the ballots had been returned to INEC because a local PDP 
candidate for State Assembly had been left off the ballot. 
The INEC official told them he had referred the problem to 
higher levels of INEC and was awaiting instructions.  Once 
counting began, there were reports of youth gangs ("area 
boys") in a standoff with military at one collation station. 
(Note: Military officials told observers they were under 
orders to leave the polling station at 1800.) Mission 
observers reported fewer than 20 percent of votes tallied in 
at least four locations in Lagos. 
 
¶19. (SBU) INEC announced PDP victory in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, 
Ogun, and Oyo states.  AC won Lagos state.  Serious sporadic 
violence has been reported in Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti 
states. 
 
 
ABUJA 00000746  005.2 OF 005 
 
 
¶20.  (U)  This is a joint Embassy/Consulate cable. 
CAMPBELL