The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) has rejected the planned sales of nomination forms by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) ahead of the October 19th local government election in the state.
The Kogi State CNPP Chairman,
Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi in a statement on Thursday condemned the purported plans by the state electoral body to sell nomination forms and as well screen potential candidates across political parties prior to the council polls.
Abdullahi, who described the move as laughable, fraudulent and the biggest joke of the century since Nigeria returned to democracy, disclosed that such action will frustrate transparency and equality for those vying for elective positions.
He alleged that over 50 percent of KOSIEC members are card carrying members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Kogi State, stressing that the aim of the electoral body to screen potential candidates is to disqualify members of the opposition parties from participating in the election.
“How can a body set up by the ruling party with the majority being card carrying members of APC wants to sell nomination form? This is fraudulent and laughable in a modern society. Do they think we are fools? This is a joke taken too far. They are indirectly saying we don’t want any other political parties to contest the election aside those that will be handpicked by APC.
“Any way, I am not surprised with the undemocratic act coming from the electoral body. Since the supreme court gave iit judgement concerning local government financial autonomy, their mind has not been at peace.
“Before now, the state government announced openly that they don’t have money to conduct council polls. Since they knew the implications of not conducting council election after the supreme court judgement, the state government in a fire brigade style through it puppet KOSIEC announced that local government election will now take place on 19th October this year.
“Let me draw the attention of Kogites that We observed a timetable roll out by KOSIEC on the plans to go ahead with the sale of nomination forms.
“KOSIEC should be careful not to bring any rule that will make other political parties withdraw outrightly from the upcoming council elections in Kogi State.
“KOSIEC has no power or right to sell nomination forms to any political party in the State not even the ruling party which we all know they are on their payroll” he stated.
He called on the national assembly to pass a law that will enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct local government election and not appointees of the state government.
Explaining further, Abdullahi said
“In as much that we must thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Supreme Court for this historic judgement to salvage the people at the grassroot from consistent oppression in the hands of State Governor’s, there is still need to go further to achieve the needed freedom for Local Government.
“The time is ripe for council election to be conducted by an independent body and not an appendage of State Government. When an independent body like INEC conduct the election, there will be less room for manipulation or imposition of Council Chairmen.
“In the past, we saw how results were written to favour a particular political party against the wishes of the people. This must not continue. For Nigeria democracy and the third tire of Government to get it full liberation, State Government should not be allowed to conduct Council election.”
