A pressure group within the Labour Party (LP), the Catalyst Committee, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary not to succumb to political pressure, but to adhere to the rule of law and the Electoral Act as amended in 2022.
The group made this call against the backdrop of a legal case brought by a governorship aspirant in the party, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, against the candidacy of Mr. 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 seeking to ensure that justice was not served, thereby subverting the will of the people.
In the statement, made available to the press in Benin on Thursday, the group emphasized that only when justice was served on the matter could democracy be deepened in the country.
The group also warned that any attempt by the electoral body to change the rules would create disruption in the nation’s political system, eroding completely the confidence of INEC in the eyes of the people.
Imansuangbon had taken the LP candidate to the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Benin seeking an interpretation of the constitution regarding Akpata’s emergence as the party’s candidate.]
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Imasuagbon alleged that Akpata was not fit to have participated in the primary or be declared the party’s candidate due to issues related to providing false information and dual citizenship, among others.
He pointed out that these issues not only breached the party and INEC guidelines but also contravened the country’s constitution.
The group emphasized, “INEC should understand that Olumide Akpata is not the only one in the contest, but there are 16 other gubernatorial aspirants. Therefore, INEC and the judiciary cannot afford to be seen changing the rules in violation of clear guidelines and the rule of law.
“The integrity of INEC and the judiciary is at stake, not just the issue of Olumide, but the issue of democracy and the rule of law in Edo State, because the other 16 political parties will not sit idly by while someone boasts of changing the rules.
“It is essential to note that obedience to the rule of law is a requirement to contest an election.
“It must be emphasized that failure to obey the law is a clear ground for disqualification. So, nobody should pamper any candidate who has deliberately violated the provisions of the electoral laws or INEC guidelines.
“Whoever disobeys the law faces consequences, and that is why Kenneth Imansuangbon has gone to court to rescue the party.
“INEC must be very careful, as Nigerians are not very happy, but should always seize the opportunity to redeem their image by ensuring that the law is strictly followed.
“The judiciary and INEC should know that the people are watching, and it is not just about Olumide of the Labour Party, but the entire process.”
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