The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum on Saturday insisted that the judiciary and not the Independent National Electoral Commission, is a threat to the nation’s fledgling democracy.
This was in an apparent reference to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi’s claim that INEC was not a threat to the nation’s democracy.
The AYCF argued that such a claim by the former Anambra’s state governor had vindicated it’s longstanding position that the INEC under the leadership of Professor Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had credibility.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, had said that the judiciary was the biggest threat to the nation’s democracy and not the electoral umpire.
Obi said this while delivering a keynote speech at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at the Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu.
“Whenever democracy is discussed, fingers point to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the problem. But INEC is not the problem, instead, the judiciary is. The judiciary is the biggest threat to Nigeria. If our judiciary is effective, our businesses will thrive,” he said.
This position, the Yerima Shettima -led AYCF, said has always been its position, noting that the electoral umpire was a reputable institution that consistently upholds the principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency in its conduct of elections.
He called on all stakeholders including political parties, civil society organisations, and the media, to support strengthening the commission as a strong institution to preserve the nation’s democracy.
Shettima, who’s the National President of the pan-northern organisation argued that Peter Obi’s acknowledgement that the judiciary poses threat to the nation’s democracy further strengthened its conviction in the integrity of the commission.
The AYCF boss in a statement released to newsmen in Kaduna, further condemned any alleged interference or overreach by the judiciary in electoral affairs in the country.
He commended Peter Obi’s forthrightness in calling a spade by its name, saying that “Peter Obi’s remarks have vindicated our stance and affirmed that INEC is not the primary obstacle to democratic electoral practices in Nigeria.”
According to him, strong and independent institutions such as INEC are essential for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.
“We emphasised the importance of strong institutions like INEC in ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. He further highlighted the detrimental impact of the judiciary assuming the role of the sole arbiter in election matters.
“The AYCF firmly believes that strong and independent institutions such as INEC are essential in preserving the democratic fabric of our nation. The Forum recognizes the critical role that INEC plays in upholding the will of the people through free, fair, and credible elections.
“We commend INEC for its dedication to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding the democratic rights of Nigerian citizens.
It is our steadfast belief that any attempts to undermine the credibility of INEC or question its impartiality are detrimental to the progress of our democratic system.
“The AYCF stands firm in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We will continue to advocate for the independence and effectiveness of INEC in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
“The AYCF condemns any undue interference or overreach by the judiciary in electoral affairs. We believe that the judiciary’s role in electoral matters should be limited to adjudicating legal disputes and upholding the rule of law, rather than assuming the primary responsibility for determining electoral outcomes.
“Such interference undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process and threatens the foundations of democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the electoral process to “safeguard the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded.”