A concerned Nigerian citizen, Dr. Samuel C Ojiakor, has written an open letter to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, expressing deep concerns about the commission's handling of leadership crises in opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement made available to this medium, Dr Ojiakor cited the ongoing leadership tussle in the Labour Party, where the commission's actions have been perceived as biased and calculated to destabilize the party. He noted that despite a Supreme Court ruling nullifying the judgments of the Federal High Court and Appeal Court that conferred chairmanship on Julius Abure, INEC has yet to make a categorical statement regarding the party's leadership.
Dr Ojiakor, however, expressed disappointment over INEC's ambivalent behaviour, particularly in listing Dr. George Muoghalu as the Labour Party's gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State without resolving the leadership crisis. He also noted that INEC initially claimed to have recognized Abure's NWC as the party's leaders, only to later deny this.
Ojiakor alleged that INEC's actions suggest a bias towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aimed at destabilizing opposition parties and paving the way for a one-party system. He urged INEC to resolve the impasse and save Nigeria's democracy.
The letter further highlights the need for INEC to demonstrate independence, fairness, and impartiality in its dealings with political parties. As the regulatory body supervising political parties, INEC must provide a level playing field for all parties to participate in future elections.
INEC's response to these allegations and concerns will be crucial in determining the future of Nigeria's democracy. Will the commission take steps to address the leadership crises in opposition parties, or will its actions continue to be perceived as biased? The fate of Nigeria's democratic process hangs in the balance.