Resist Political Pressure, Group Calls INEC, Judiciary

A pressure group within the Labour Party, LP, known as the Catalyst Committee, CC, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the judiciary to resist political pressure and adhere to the rule of law and the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, in relation to the party’s candidature.

The group’s plea follows a legal case filed by Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon against the party’s Governorship Candidate, Olumide Akpata.

The Catalyst Committee’s Coordinator, Dr. Abel Oarhe, stated that the call became necessary because some “money bags” were out to ensure that justice was not served, and warned that any attempt by the electoral body to shift the goalposts would cause disruption in the nation’s political system.

Recall that Imasuangbon had taken Akpata to the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Benin City, seeking an interpretation of the constitution regarding Akpata’s nomination as the party’s candidate.

The group said: “INEC should know that Olumide Akpata is not the only one that is in the contest but there are other 16 gubernatorial aspirants 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.

“It must be emphasised that inability to obey the law is a clear ground for disqualification. So nobody should pamper any candidate who has deliberately violated the provision of the electoral laws or INEC’s guideline.

“The Judiciary and INEC should know that the people are watching and it is not about Olumide of the Labour party but the entire process.”