The Court of Appeal in Abuja has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of blatant partisanship and dereliction of duty.
The appellate court, while delivering judgment in a Bauchi State House of Assembly election appeal, lambasted INEC for its “irresponsible behavior” and “naked dancing in the market,” stating that the electoral body has failed to maintain its neutrality in election disputes.
The court’s harsh criticism stems from INEC’s attempt to disown documents it had previously issued and certified in the case involving the election of Abubakar Suleiman, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
The court unequivocally stated that INEC’s actions were “embarrassing” and undermined its credibility as an impartial arbiter in election matters.
“The INEC as an institution should be reminded of its role in an election; to be an unbiased umpire between parties.
“It should stop behaving irresponsibly, having in mind that its duty to conduct election has a direct bearing on peace and well-being of the country.
“The role of INEC in election dispute should be limited to the tendering of all the documents used in an election and explaining what they were used for and how they were obtained.
“INEC should stop dancing naked in the market, pretending that no one is seeing its nakedness and its dancing steps,” the court stated while delivering judgment in a Bauchi State House of Assembly election appeal” the court said in a statement.
The lead judgement of a three-member panel of the court was delivered by Justice K. I. Amadi.
In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel of the court nullified Suleiman’s election as the representative of Ningi Central Constituency, citing evidence that the election was inconclusive.
The court further directed INEC to conduct a supplementary poll in 10 polling units within 90 days and awarded a cost of N500,000 against INEC.
