Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has emphasized the need for consequences if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to uphold its commitment to delivering credible elections to the Nigerian people.
During his appearance on a Channels Television program, the seasoned lawyer highlighted how INEC, which is alleged to have let down Nigerians, was actively involved in the election petition process from the Court of Appeal up to the Supreme Court, even opposing the appellants’ viewpoints. Adegboruwa stressed that making INEC aware of the repercussions of failing to fulfill its mandate would encourage the electoral body to strive to keep its promises.
Adegboruwa articulated, “Public opinion plays a crucial role in the outcome of elections; it’s not merely a matter of statistics. This is why I believe that if it becomes evident to all of us that INEC disappointed Nigerians, that INEC failed to uphold its commitments, there should be accountability. You can’t just walk away from that. INEC not only walked away but also actively participated in the election petition process from the Court of Appeal up to the Supreme Court, even opposing the appellants’ arguments.”
He continued by suggesting that there should be lessons learned from this, with consequences for INEC’s failure to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.
Adegboruwa also urged President Bola Tinubu to take a page out of former President Late Musa Yar’Adua’s book. He noted that Yar’Adua had acknowledged flaws in the election that brought him to power and had subsequently initiated electoral reforms. Adegboruwa additionally recommended that the President should refrain from playing any role in the appointment of the Chairman of INEC as well as Resident Electoral Commissioners.
