2023: INEC Decries 334 Pre-Election Pending Court Cases

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has expressed deep concerns over the 334 pre-election cases currently pending at various divisions of the Federal High Court across the country.

INEC explained that the cases are filed by aspirants challenging the nomination of certain candidates or their exclusion from the lists submitted to the commission.

Chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure at the swearing-in of a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Abuja on Thursday.

He also noted that though the court cases are purely intra-party issues, the commission has been joined in all of them, expressing worries that the number of litigations will even increase when it publishes personal particulars of candidates for governorship, deputy governorship and State Assembly elections today.

Yakubu also urged Nigerians to capitalise on the opportunity provided by the displayed certificates of the governorship, deputy governorship and State Assembly candidates at their various constituencies to scrutinise them.

“Already, the commission has been inundated by numerous pre-election cases arising from the conduct of congresses and primaries by political parties for the 2023 general election. So far, 334 pre-election cases have been filed in various divisions of the Federal High Court across the country by aspirants challenging the nomination of candidates or their exclusion from the list submitted to the Commission.

“Although these are purely intra-party issues, the commission has been joined in all these cases. With the publication tomorrow of the personal particulars of candidates for Governorship, Deputy Governorship and State Assembly elections, we expect the number of cases to rise even higher.

“Sadly, the issue of internal democracy in political parties remains a sore point in our electoral process in Nigeria. The Commission will continue to engage with political parties while standing firm against any transgression by strictly enforcing the provisions of the law and extant regulations and guidelines,” he said.

On the appeal to scrutinise the candidates, he said: “As we continue to prepare for the 2023 general election in earnest, the commission will Friday, July 22, publish the personal particulars of candidates nominated by their political parties for governorship and State Assembly elections in all the constituencies nationwide as required by law.

“I appeal to all Nigerians (citizens and aspirants) to seize the opportunity to scrutinise the particulars of the candidates and to seek judicial remedy for any observed violation of the law as provided in Sec. 29 of the Electoral Act 2022,” he charged.

He congratulated the new REC, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, on his nomination, confirmation and appointment, announcing that he will fill the vacancy created in Plateau State a few months ago.

“In line with the Commission’s current policy, Resident Electoral Commissioners are deployed to States within their geo-political zones. However, no Resident Electoral Commissioner will serve in his/her State of origin throughout their tenure. Accordingly, Dr Longpet is hereby deployed to Kogi State as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner.

“As you assume duty immediately, let me remind you that you are responsible for the management of human and materials resources in your State of posting. You must immediately interact with your staff, pay attention to their welfare, visit the Local Government offices and assess the various facilities in readiness for the 2023 General Election.

“The Commission has set the bar for credible elections very high. I urge you to join us in raising the bar even higher. I wish to assure you that the Commission will always support you to deliver on our commitment to credible elections.

“As a Resident Electoral Commissioner, you will also interact with various categories of stakeholders. In discharging your responsibilities, you must at all times be transparent and non-partisan while remaining firm and courageous.

“You must quickly familiarise yourself with the electoral legal framework (the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines). You should also study the Commission’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026, the Election Project Plan 2023 as well as established processes and procedures. After all, the 2023 General Election is just 218 days (or about 7 months) away,” he charged.