The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to boldly implement provisions of electoral laws and the Constitution in future elections. The call was made by the SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, during a conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gabam emphasized the need for INEC to make necessary adjustments and take courageous steps to correct past mistakes. He also stressed the importance of prosecuting electoral offenders and canceling elections in cases where there is evidence of compromise in the process.
Highlighting a specific instance, Gabam referenced the last election in Kogi, where he stated that INEC acknowledged the leakage and pre-filling of election result sheets but failed to take appropriate action. He emphasized the need for INEC to exercise its power to cancel elections when there is clear evidence of compromise, as stipulated by the law.
Furthermore, Gabam advised the INEC chairman to rectify past mistakes and demonstrate a serious commitment to prosecuting electoral offenders to prevent unprecedented voter apathy. In addition, he stressed the importance of reorienting Nigerians to understand their rights and privileges in the electoral process.
In addressing the issue of boycotting elections, Gabam emphasized the need for a change in attitude, stating that boycotting elections is not a solution within a democratic system of government.
