By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said the refusal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obey court of Appeal order to replace its candidates ahead of 2023 elections is politically motivated to sabotage its chances in the general election.
Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Agbo Major said INEC cannot seek to conduct credible 2023 general election while standing justice on its head and dissipate energy and resources on wild goose chase.
While pointing out that the rule of law is the foundation of a democratic nation, the party said the electoral Commission must obey clear orders of Court, adding that “NNPP will resist the commission’s interference in its internal affairs and decision to impose candidates on the party”.
Speaking further, the party publicity secretary said “It is unfortunate that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a veritable symbol of the nation’s democracy currently preparing to conduct the 2023 general election can show utter disrespect, disregard and disdain to the clear orders of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court directing it to accept the names of the fresh candidates submitted to it by the party to replace those that withdrew their candidature and resigned from the party.
“In awkward display of partisan politics unbecoming of an electoral umpire, INEC is yet to accept NNPP candidates submitted to it on 12th September 2022, after an earlier one on 30th August 2022”.
Listing the party’s candidates, the spokesman said “Kano State: Kano Central Senatorial District, Sen. Rufai Hanga replaces Ibrahim Shekarau.
“Taraba State: Taraba South Senatorial District, Murtala Garba replaces Hon Ibrahim Mikra.
“Yobe State: Adamu Mohammed replaces Yahaya Gamaje as Deputy Governorship candidate,
“Potiskum Central House of Assembly, Zakari Yau Hassan replaces Hon Mohammed Seidu Maikifi.”
He said pursuant to Sections 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, NNPP held fresh primaries to fill the above vacant slots in Kano Central Senatorial District on Thursday 8th September 2022, Taraba South Senatorial District, as well as Yobe Potiskum Central House of Assembly (except the Deputy Governorship seat of Yobe State where no election is needed).
To this end, he said the party is aware of an alleged grand plot to deliberately sabotage NNPP and deprive the party the opportunity to field candidates for these positions.
According to Major, NNPP sought an order directing INEC to allow the party to submit the names of all the candidates it wants to replace with those who voluntarily withdrew their candidature for the 2023 general election and publish their names, which was granted but INEC has refused to comply.
“Nigeria is not a Banana Republic that laws are recklessly subverted by maximum rulers and agencies. INEC is not above the law. It cannot choose which judgement of the court of competent jurisdiction to obey.
“Adopting a delay tactic by chasing a wild goose across the country is the height of rascality. The nation’s electoral process must be sanitized, strengthened and deepened by all stakeholders. INEC must justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in it and do the right thing.”
NNPP also urged Nigerians to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs) before the January 29, 2023 deadline set by the commission, warning that the destiny of the nation is at stake.
