EU Emphasises the Importance of Transparent Elections in Nigeria
The European Union (EU) has emphasised the importance of electing Nigerian leaders through transparent electoral processes rather than judicial interventions. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighted this during the launch of a report titled "From Ballot to the Courts: Analysis of Election Petition Litigation from Nigeria's 2023 General Elections," organized by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja.
Represented by Ruben Alba, acting Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mignot expressed concerns that the prevalence of court-decided electoral outcomes undermines the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) capacity to conduct well-organized elections. He pointed out that contradictory court decisions pose significant challenges to election administration, complicating INEC's regulatory responsibilities.
Mignot emphasized that a robust democracy relies heavily on an effective judicial system. He asserted that the judiciary must uphold its constitutional duties to enhance the protection of democratic values and the rule of law.
"The critical role of the judiciary in Nigeria's democratic process has been confirmed by various judgments with great impact on the country's democratic process," Mignot stated. "The courts have, through several significant decisions, strengthened and deepened democracy in Nigeria. However, we still have a lot to work on."
He further noted that while the judiciary plays a pivotal role in ensuring timely, efficient, and transparent justice, citizens must also be aware of their rights as enshrined in the Constitution to hold the system accountable. Mignot highlighted that conflicting judicial decisions on similar facts adversely affect the quality of Nigeria's democratic experience and erode voter trust. He concluded by stating that leaders should be elected through the ballot and not by the courts.
Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, remarked that the report offers a comprehensive analysis of election petition litigation from Nigeria's 2023 general elections, aiming to contribute to the ongoing discourse on electoral reforms and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country.
The recent tribunal reports concerning the Edo State Governorship election have raised significant concerns regarding the credibility of the electoral process. Numerous internal reports and observations from independent human rights organizations have indicated that votes were manipulated and figures inaccurately reported.
For instance, the U.S. government has expressed keen interest in the Edo State governorship tribunal, citing irregularities in the collation process. Independent observers and civil society organizations noted that the poll was marred by multiple arithmetic errors, with about 29,053 unaccounted ballots and other inconsistencies. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria highlighted that the collation process pronounced the All Progressives Congress' (APC) Monday Okpebholo as the winner, despite being flawed with "serious lapses." The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasized that transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system.
Furthermore, forensic evidence presented by Martins Obono, Executive Director of TAP Initiative, alleges that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) actively participated in rigging the election. Obono revealed discrepancies between certified true copies of polling unit results issued by INEC and the versions uploaded to the agency's official result portal.
These findings suggest a systemic failure in upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State. The tribunal's dismissal of these substantial allegations without thorough investigation undermines public trust in the judicial system's role as a guardian of democracy. It is imperative that electoral bodies and tribunals address these discrepancies transparently to restore confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions.
The EU's call for leaders to be elected through the ballot underscores the necessity for electoral reforms that ensure transparency, accountability, and the true reflection of the people's will. Without addressing these critical issues, the foundation of democracy in Nigeria remains at risk.
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