A pressure group within the Edo State chapter of Labour Party, LP, Catalyst Committee, has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and the provisions of the Electoral Act in the forthcoming governorship election.
A statement by the coordinator of the group, Abel Oarhe on Thursday in Benin City, pointed out that it is only when justice is served that democracy can be deepened in the country.
The group noted that the call became imperative as some “money bags” were allegedly out to ensure that justice was not served, thereby subverting the will of the people.
It made the call against the backdrop of the legal challenge instituted by an LP governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imansuangbon, against the candidacy of Olumide Akpata.
The group 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 reposed in INEC in the eyes of the people.
Recall that Imansuangbon had dragged the LP governorship candidate Akpata 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 governorship candidate in Edo State.
Imasuagbon had alleged that Akpata was not fit to have participated in the LP primary election as a result of the issue bordering on the provision of false information and dual citizenship, among others.
He pointed out that the issues in question did not only breach the party and INEC guidelines, but also contravene the country’s 1999 constitution (as amended).
The group, therefore, 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 candidates 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 INEC and Judiciary is at stake not just about the issue of Olumide but 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.”