The candidate of the Labour Party in the 11 November,2023, Imo State governorship election, Senator Athan Achonu has accused the judiciary of usurping the rights of Nigerians to elect their leaders, as it would appear to become the sole awarder of mandates in Nigeria’s electoral jurisdiction.
Achonu noted that while he still respects the judiciary as the final arbiter in the nation’s legal system, he is unable to excuse the obvious failure of the judiciary to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) does the right thing in accordance with the Electoral Act, rather than turning the nation’s entire democratic institution into a mere circus show.
Addressing a press conference earlier today (Wednesday. September 4) at his country home in Umuchoke Umunumo community in Ehime Mbano council area of Imo State, Senator Achonu expressed concerns about the judgment of the apex court, which dismissed his appeal and pronounced Senator Hope Uzodimma winner of the 11 November 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo state.
“While I respect the judiciary as the final arbiter in our legal system, I must express my deep concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the 26 August, 2024 judgment of the Apex court. These concerns are not borne out of bitterness but out of steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and fairness that our democracy should uphold,” Snator Achonu said.
“It is worthy to mention that a dangerous and unhealthy political culture has been introduced by the ruling party, the APC. They manipulate the election results and, in a brazen display of arrogance, tell the opposition to go to court. It is clear now that in Nigeria, it is longer the people who decide who wins an election, it is the Judiciary. The audacity of this practice, where the judiciary’s pronouncement outweighs the people’s votes, and right to elect their Leaders, should alarm every patriotic Nigerian.
“It has also become painfully evident that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) has become another arm of the ruling party, the APC, turning our entire democratic institution into a mere circus. Unfortunately, the judiciary is not able to ensure that the INEC does the right thing in the election petition matters such as this.”
However, he thanked the Imo people for their unwavering support during and after the governorship election.
“I thank you all for your unyielding support, courage, and your belief in our vision for a brighter future for Imo State. Together, we shall continue to strive for a just, fair and truly democratic Nigeria,” he surmised.Â
