Osun election: Obasanjo’s comment, disrespect for rule of law ― APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State chapter, on Monday, described the recent comment of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the September 22 governorship election in the state as flagrant disrespect for rule of law.

In a statement by the party’s director of publicity, research and strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Osogbo today, the APC declared that ‘it is a pity that our respected former President is using the privilege of his position to express an opinion that is subjudice to a case that’s already in court and is currently being litigated.’

Obasanjo had reportedly said in an open letter on Sunday that ‘the Osun gubernatorial election, which was conclusive was declared by the INEC as inconclusive, despite all advice to the contrary.’

Reacting over the development, the APC said that ‘his comment on the Osun governorship election of last September is a matter that should be left to the court to decide. Expressing an opinion on it at this stage is not only unlawful, but it is also a glaring disrespect for the rule and process of the law. This is more so because Ex-President Obasanjo is using that case which is still disputed to illustrate unfairly his allegation that INEC cannot be trusted to run a free, fair and credible presidential election next month.

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‘The statement reads, “we advise Chief Obasanjo to limit his comment on a matter that is subjudice, otherwise, he would be laying a precedent that would be unhelpful to the rule of law.’

‘Under our electoral law and the provisions of our constitution, INEC has the function of conducting all elections in the country and it is also empowered to declare an election valid or invalid if there are sufficient lawful reasons to do so.

Osun’s case is not the first such instance of invalidation of any particular election which is deemed to be inconsistent with the laws of the Federation as stipulated in the constitution and the electoral law.

‘Neither the APC, the PDP or even Obasanjo can make a pronouncement on whether or not an election is conclusive or inconclusive after INEC has made a pronouncement. Only the court has such powers.

Obasanjo’s comment is not only unsolicited, but it is also an unacceptable interference in the process of the court which he has no legal right to do,’ the statement concluded.