From Tony Osauzo, Benin
A group, The Catalyst Committee, a group within the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to show conformity to the rule of law and the electoral Act as amended in 2022 and not to succumb to political pressure.
The group made the call against the backdrop of the legal case instituted by Kenneth Imansuangbon against the candidacy of Olumide Akpata.
In a statement by its coordinator, Dr. Abel Oarhe, the group said the call became necessary as some ‘money bags’ were out to ensure that justice was not served and thereby subverting the will of the people, adding that it was only when justice is served on the matter that democracy can be deepened in the country.
It warned that any attempt by the electoral body to shift the goal post would create disruption in the nation’s political system and erode the confidence the people have in INEC.
“INEC should know that Olumide Akpata is not the only one that is in the contest but there are other 16 gubernatorial aspirants. Therefore, INEC and the judiciary cannot afford to be seen shifting the goal post in violation of the clear guideline and rule of law.
“The integrity of INEC and judiciary is at stake not just the issue of Olumide but the issue of democracy and rule of law in Edo State because the other 16 political parties will not fold their arms because someone is boasting to shift the goal post.”
The group stated that obedience to the rule of law is part of the requirement to contest an election, stressing it must be emphasised that inability to obey the law is a clear ground for disqualification.
“So nobody should pamper any candidate who has deliberately violated the provision of the electoral laws or INEC guideline. Whoever disobeys the law the consequences are there and it should be applied and that is why Kenneth Imansuangbon has gone to court to rescue the party.
“INEC must be very careful that Nigerians are not too happy but should always seize the opportunity to redeem their image when such opportunity comes up by ensuring that the law is strictly followed.
“The Judiciary and INEC should know that the people are watching and it is not about Olumide of the Labour Party but the entire process.”
Imansuangbon had dragged the LP candidate to the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Benin seeking interpretation of the constitution as regards the emergence of Akpata as the party’s candidate.
He alleged that Akpata was not fit to have participated in the primary nor declared the party’s candidate as a result of issue bothering on provision of false information, dual citizenship among others.
He pointed out that the issues in question did not only breached the party and INEC guidelines, but also contravened the country’s constitution.