By Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo

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The Federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, have been enjoined to upgrade from manual voting to electronic voting.
They were also implored to device means of ensuring that the 2023 general elections will hold and also be free and fair.
Dr Taofeek Adebisi, Political analyst and a Public analyst, Mr ‘Tosin Akintunde gave the advice while speaking with The Hope on the possibilities of 2023 general elections.
It will be recalled that the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu last week said at least 41 incidents involving deliberate attacks on INEC facilities have been recorded in the last two years with 11 offices of the Commission either set ablaze or vandalised in the last four weeks.
He also stated that the preliminary assessment indicated that the country’s electoral umpire has so far lost 1,105 ballot boxes, 694 voting cubicles, 429 electric generating sets, and 13 utility (Toyota Hilux) vehicles from the attacks.
Adebisi while condemning the attacks on INEC offices said it’s a wake-up call for the Commission to prepare for uncertainties during crisis like this.
“I still don’t know the motive behind the attacks on INEC offices because INEC is just to conduct election and they don’t interfere with governance, so why attack an institution that’s not responsible for the current predicament the country is facing.
“If some certain people or groups are aggrieved, then why attack INEC? They have the power to vote out any party not favourable to them.
“This attack should be an eye-opener for the Commission to start thinking about another plan to conduct elections. Relevant authorities should consult experts in developed countries on how electronic voting is being conducted.
“We cannot fold our hands and allow unscrupulous elements disrupt our electoral institution over trivial matters.”
In his view, Akintunde said the attacks on INEC offices are political as some people doesn’t want the election to hold at all cost.
He said “is this not clear enough that some groups are angry and want the disintegration of the nation?
“We have seen some groups that came out openly to say there won’t be election in 2023, while others said they don’t want to be part of Nigeria anymore.
“INEC should fortify its offices in order to prevent further attacks and as well embrace electronic voting as being used in developed countries.
“If these attacks continue, do you think anyone would come out to vote on election day? Security agencies must wade in and put an end to attacks on Public establishments.”
The duo urged the Federal government to nip the attacks in the bud and ensure the safety of INEC offices and officials.
They also advised INEC to start the preliminary electronic voting through local government elections by partnering with state governments in order to know the flaws and strength of the process.