The graphics coming out of Lokoja, by extension Kogi State, would make any right-thinking, decent and genuine lover of democracy weep. How can this inane display of incumbency “strengthen our democracy”? On the contrary, it weakens and frustrates our democratic journey. The Kogi people have the right to totally reject this nonsense called governorship election. The right of the good people of the state to freely elect a leader that will drive the affairs of Kogi for the next four years has been crassly violated.

In a saner and flourishing society, the Kogi election, held this yesterday, Saturday, the 16th day of November, 2019 should be cancelled in its totality in fairness and justice to all. This rubbish must not stand. It is a shameful act of arrogance carried too far. Primitive to our collective sensibilities. Fragrantly retrogressive and insulting to our collective dream for a purposeful society and economically viable state.

We must create a decent society. This negative narrative associated with the Confluence State must change. Kogi State has intellectually minded persons, with profound leadership zeal, to drive the Kogi State to a premier status. It is saddening and it makes my heart aches. It is largely unacceptable.

•Bernard Balogun writes from Abuja.