From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Following the nullification of the electoral victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, by the Appeal Court, the National Civil Society Consultative Forum on Election Integrity, has implored the judiciary to resist political interference.
The Appeal Court panel ruled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State had no valid structure and had violated a state high court order that directed the party to conduct fresh congresses in the state.
Convener of the Forum Salaudeen Hashim, at a press conference in Abuja, claimed that the verdict had a veneer of political interference and described it as “unjust, unfair, and baseless.”
Hashim also claimed that the go-to Court mantra passes a subliminal message about judicial fragility and corruption.
“Therefore, the Appeal Court judgment that sacked all the elected members in the state, including the Governor, is seen as unjust, unfair, and baseless and we join our voices with legal luminaries, such as Femi Falana SAN, Daniel Bwala, Kalu Agu, and several Nigerian citizens, who have rejected and condemned the verdict and appeal to the Supreme Court to correct the anomaly.
“We urge political actors to refrain from any actions that may undermine the integrity of the judiciary or compromise the independence of judges.
“Attempts to exert undue influence, make unfounded allegations, or engage in any form of intimidation against the judiciary threaten the landscape of democratic infrastructure,” said.
A member of the Forum, Sunday Ebi, recommended an amendment of the Electoral Act in the area of campaign financing transparency.
Ebi said: “The Electoral Act of 2022 introduced commendable changes but left substantial policy gaps in campaign financing transparency, court powers for internal party democracy, and exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over pre-election matters.
“Legislative amendments are necessary to address these vulnerabilities, which could be exploited to curtail free speech, association and assembly rights.
“These amendments should also encompass stricter penalties for electoral offences.
“Independence of Electoral Institutions: Credible elections require independent electoral bodies, free from undue executive influence.
“This applies to courts, security agencies, political parties, observers, and electoral institutions, ensuring adherence to established rules, free from external pressures.
“The executive should abstain from pressuring election officials, judges, candidates, NGOs, and stakeholders to maintain electoral process fairness.
“Independent Monitoring and Reporting: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) should enhance their role as independent watchdogs by monitoring various electoral stages, including voter registration, campaigning, voting, vote counting, and legal proceedings.”