Edo 2024:  LP Group Urges INEC, Judiciary to Adhere to Rule of Law, Electoral Act

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

A pressure group within the Labour Party (LP) called Catalyst Committee has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary not to succumb to political pressure, and show conformity to the rule of law and the Electoral Act as amended in 2022.

The group made the call against the background of the legal case instituted by one of the party governorship aspirants in Edo State, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, against the candidacy of Olumide Akpata.

In a statement issued by the Coordinator of the group, Dr. Abel Oarhe, the Catalyst Committee noted that 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.

In the statement made available to journalists  in Benin-city yesterday, it pointed out that it is only when justice is served on the matter that democracy can be deepened in the country.

It also warned that any attempt by the electoral body to shift the goal post will create disruption in the nation’s political system thereby eroding completely the confidence of INEC in the eyes of the people.

Imansuangbon had dragged the LP candidate to the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Benin-city seeking interpretation of the constitution as regards the emergence of Akpata as the party’s candidate.

Imasuagbon had 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 contravene the country’s constitution.

The group pointed out that: “INEC should know that Olumide Akpata is not the only one that is in the contest but there are other 16 gubernatorial aspirants in the contest.

“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 the INEC and the judiciary is at stake not just on the issue of Olumide but on 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.

“It is sacrosanct to note that obedience to the rule of law is part of the requirement to contest an election.

“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 its 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.”