INEC, questionable certificates and people’s mandate

In 2020, Bayelsans, and Nigerians generally, received with great shock, the disqualification of the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect and All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates, David Lyon and Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, by the Supreme Court verdict led by Justice Mary Odili, a day to their swearing-in. The disqualification suit, filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party […]

In 2020, Bayelsans, and Nigerians generally, received with great shock, the disqualification of the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect and All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates, David Lyon and Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, by the Supreme Court verdict led by Justice Mary Odili, a day to their swearing-in.

The disqualification suit, filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Sen. Douye Diri, was on the grounds of discrepancies of names on credentials submitted by the Deputy Governor-elect, noting that there was no connection between the name on the candidate’s school-leaving certificate, first degree (BA), master’s degree and the affidavits swore, who was and still a sitting senator.

The participation of Bayelsans at the 2019 polls was without equal in the history of the state. But what turns out for the people? Their choice was upturned by a court order, which could have been averted at the onset.

A similar case is ongoing in the post-Edo 2020 governorship election, where the Governor, Godwin Obaseki is defending his credentials before the court of law in a suit, this time, against the APC.

What do we get out of it? Nothing but an absolute waste of time and resources, a maximum distraction from governance and of all, toying with the mandate of the choice.

The electoral act should saddle INEC wholesomely, with the power to disqualify candidates who have issues with their certificates or documents submitted prior to the conduct of the elections. Such candidates should be given the benefit of making amendments, within a stipulated period, and/or the parties of such candidates be asked to field in another contestant.

This would solve a reasonable part of the numerous electoral cases in the court, which make the electorate question the electoral process they participate in. Why would we not continue to experience low voters’ turnout at the polls, when the people’s choice is jeopardised after serious participation.

 

Waheed Shotonwa is a journalist