Presidential Polls: ACF scores INEC low, tells losers to take legal option

Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has scored the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, low on the conduct of last Saturday’s elections, alleging incompetence on the part of staff of the commission.

It, however, advised those who lost in the election to follow due process in contesting the outcome of the election and avoid violent approach.

Secretary-General of Forum, Murtala M. Aliyu, who noted this in a statement yesterday, said the positive comments by observers on the election notwithstanding, the  exercise did not pass off without hitches.  

The statement read: “There were some errors, noticeable ineptitude and avoidable lapses, especially on the part of officials at all levels. That said, it has to be admitted no one in good conscience ever thought an exercise as gigantic as conducting a general election in a country of over 200 million people would go without hitches or setbacks. 

‘’No country under the sun has ever conducted elections that are perfect, without errors. We are after all still early within our learning curve in this democratic experience.

“Anticipating shortcomings, our laws have already provided for judicial mechanisms for resolving or redressing possible disputes and disagreements among the contestants. "Candidates or their political parties should feel free to use these channels if they believe they have sufficient evidence to prove non substantial compliance with any rules that had hindered their chances.

“While, however, recognizing the right of candidates or their parties to mount legal challenges against the results declared, we feel obliged to offer a note of caution.

‘’The candidates must not forget that disputed elections in Nigeria, as in much of Africa, have almost always proved to be deadly triggers for strife, violence and even bloodshed. 

‘’Those who failed to win this time should know that they have several opportunities to try to do so in the future. They should, therefore, exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship.

“The ACF makes bold to say that Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party, the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP and the other presidential candidates that stood against Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, all ran admirably strong and sophisticated campaigns.

“With a few exceptions, they tried this time around to pursue issue-based campaigns. They should all be justly proud of their achievements. For Peter Obi and Musa Kwankwaso, in particular, who are relatively younger and have age on their side, it is clear that they have established their credentials as powerful presidential candidates which may be helpful in the years to come."

Culled from Vanguard