Kogi Guber: How INEC Displayed Inefficiency in a Bid to Disqualify Natasha
The alleged inefficiency displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the disqualification of SDP governorship candidate, Barr Natasha Akpoti has been brought to fore by the case filed by the governorship candidate of All Blending Party (ABP), Umar Zekeri who was alleged to have been disqualified illegally on the ground of age.
Like Natasha Akpoti who was alleged to have been disqualified by INEC illegally, 37 year old Umar Zekeri was said to have been disqualified illegally on the ground that he is under age even when he is above 35 years old constitutional requirement.
Several political pundits and legal practitioners have earlier argued that neither the Nigeria constitution nor available precedents give INEC the power to disqualify candidates presented by political parties, arguing that the case of ABP governorship candidate has proven the height of inefficiency displayed by INEC to illegally disqualify Natasha Akpoti and other candidates for Governor Yahaya Bello.
The ABP governorship candidate who has dragged INEC to court over his alleged illegal disqualification prayed amongst other things for the court to give an order setting aside all actions, decisions or any act of the Defendant (INEC) already took, which contravenes the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act in respect of the November 16 governorship election in Kogi state.
If the court grants the prayer of the ABP governorship candidate, the implication is that INEC will have to shift the election to allow the disqualified candidates have more time to campaign and canvass for votes.
Like Natasha Akpoti who was alleged to have been disqualified by INEC illegally, 37 year old Umar Zekeri was said to have been disqualified illegally on the ground that he is under age even when he is above 35 years old constitutional requirement.
Several political pundits and legal practitioners have earlier argued that neither the Nigeria constitution nor available precedents give INEC the power to disqualify candidates presented by political parties, arguing that the case of ABP governorship candidate has proven the height of inefficiency displayed by INEC to illegally disqualify Natasha Akpoti and other candidates for Governor Yahaya Bello.
The ABP governorship candidate who has dragged INEC to court over his alleged illegal disqualification prayed amongst other things for the court to give an order setting aside all actions, decisions or any act of the Defendant (INEC) already took, which contravenes the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act in respect of the November 16 governorship election in Kogi state.
If the court grants the prayer of the ABP governorship candidate, the implication is that INEC will have to shift the election to allow the disqualified candidates have more time to campaign and canvass for votes.
Comments
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: The comments on the blog are the views and opinions of the readers and does not represent that of Confluence Reporters.