The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) consists of ALL Obidients and all Support Groups coming together to bring better leadership change in Nigeria and to support and install better leaders, effecting a better society governed by incorruptible and visionary individuals, breaking from the norm.
We are committed to holding accountable those who perpetrate electoral fraud, violence, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
OUR MISSION:
COPDEM is committed to promoting free and fair elections, protecting human rights, and strengthening democracy in Nigeria. Our mission is to raise awareness about the issues and challenges facing our electoral system and advocate for reforms that will ensure that every vote counts and that the voice of every Nigerian is heard.
We believe that a healthy and vibrant democracy is essential for the well-being and prosperity of our nation. By promoting transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law, we can help create a political environment in which every Nigerian has the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
Our coalition brings together individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, all united in our shared commitment to building a better Nigeria. We work tirelessly to advance our mission and achieve our goals, and we invite you to join us in this important fight for a stronger and more equitable country.
Some of the issues that characterized the Nigerian Presidential and Gubernatorial elections that took place on February 25th, 2023, and March 18th, 2023 respectively include:
Violence: The elections were marred by violence across the country. There were reports of attacks on citizens, and in some cases, people were killed.
Electoral fraud: There were allegations of electoral fraud, including ballot box snatching, vote buying, and other forms of manipulation.
Compromise of law enforcement agencies: Law enforcement agencies were compromised during the elections, with reports of police officers and other security personnel aiding electoral malpractices and violence.
Hijack of the process by non-state actors: The electoral process was hijacked by non-state actors, including political godfathers, who used their influence to manipulate the elections in their favor.
Lack of organization of the umpire INEC: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been criticized for its poor organization of the elections, leading to confusion and chaos during the voting process and vote counting.
Xenophobia: There were reports of xenophobic attacks against the Igbo ethnic group in Lagos state, allegedly fueled by the Yoruba Supremacy Ideology propagated by some political leaders in Lagos State.
Tribalism: The elections were characterized by tribalism, with some political leaders using divisive rhetoric to mobilize their supporters along ethnic lines.
Voter disenfranchisement: The low voter turnout was a concern, with only a small percentage of registered voters actually participating in the elections. This was due to a combination of factors, including violence and intimidation.
International criticism: The elections were widely criticized by the international observers and others in the international community, with reports in major global media outlets describing them as chaotic, flawed, and corrupt.