The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP in Imo State, Senator Nnejilenanim Athan Achonu, has expressed deep concerns over the current political culture in Nigeria where the judiciary, rather than the electorate, determine election outcomes.
Achonu, who called out the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for allegedly manipulating election results and displaying arrogance by directing opposition parties to seek redress in court, warned that it was a dangerous trend that should alarm every patriotic Nigerian.
He also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, accusing it of functioning as an extension of the APC, thus compromising the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Labour Party chieftain lamented that the judiciary has been unable to ensure that INEC adheres to proper procedures in election petition matters, further eroding public trust in the electoral process.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Achonu, while reflecting on the legal battle over the November 11, 2023, Governorship Election, which culminated in a Supreme Court verdict, stated that he respects the judiciary’s role but voiced his dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding the judgment.
He stressed that his concerns were driven by a commitment to justice and fairness rather than personal bitterness.
Part of the statement reads, “While I respect the judiciary as the final arbiter in our legal system, I must express my deep concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding this judgment.
“These concerns are not borne out of bitterness but out of a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and fairness that our democracy should uphold.
“It is worthy of mention that a dangerous and unhealthy political culture has been introduced by the ruling party, the APC. They manipulate election results and, in a brazen display of arrogance, tell the opposition to go to court.
”It is clear now that in Nigeria, it is no longer the people who decide who wins an election; it is the judiciary. The audacity of this practice, where the judiciary’s pronouncements outweigh the people’s votes, should alarm every patriotic Nigerian.
“It has also become painfully evident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become another arm of the ruling party, the APC, turning our entire democratic institution into a mere circus.
“Unfortunately, the Judiciary is not able to ensure INEC does the right thing in election petition matters such as this.”
Achonu also criticized what he termed as “deliberate misinformation” by Osita Chidoka, regarding comments made on Channels TV before the Supreme Court’s final ruling.
He suggested that Chidoka’s remarks seemed strategically aimed at conditioning public perception in favor of a predetermined outcome.
“Let us also reflect on what looks like deliberate misinformation by Osita Chidoka, which he presented on Channels TV a day before the final judgment by the Supreme Court on the Imo State Governorship Election debacle.
“His presentation seemed like a strategic act to condition the minds of the people on a predetermined outcome. On one hand, he acknowledged that there was an illegality (over-voting), on the other he suggested that the same process that gave birth to the illegality can be trusted to wear the robe of legality. Be it as it may, this is a matter for another day.” Achonu stated.
Despite the judicial setback, Achonu vowed that the Labour Party and his campaign organization would continue to play a constructive role as the opposition.
He therefore urged his supporters and the people of Imo State to remain vigilant, calling for opposition politicking to be conducted with decency and decorum, for the collective good of the state.
“While I recognise the importance of unity and cooperation, I want to assure you that as the opposition, the Labour Party and my campaign organization will remain vigilant. We must play the role of an opposition guided by decency, decorum, and constructive criticism.
“Let us call out the government where it is failing and encourage it where it is doing well. Let us redefine how opposition politicking should be conducted, for Imo State is our collective patrimony.
“We must avoid anything that could tarnish our State’s image, impede its progress, or harm the livelihood of our people
Achonu finally expressed gratitude to his supporters, reaffirming his commitment to serving the people of Imo State and championing their interests.
He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in building a prosperous and sustainable Imo State.