SDP Presidential Candidate Gives INEC 7 Days to Review Kogi Polls

• SDP presidential candidate criticizes INEC for alleged poor conduct of off-cycle elections, particularly labeling the Kogi poll as a “sham”
• Adebayo gives INEC a seven-day ultimatum to review Kogi election results, emphasizing the need for transparency and credibility

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the recent off-cycle elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, criticized the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) for the alleged poor conduct of the polls. Adebayo, addressing journalists in Abuja, described the Kogi election as a “sham” and expressed disappointment in the overall process.

The opposition leader emphasized that the off-cycle election process in three states should have been straightforward compared to the general elections held in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in February and March. Adebayo gave INEC a seven-day ultimatum to review the results of the Kogi elections. He warned that failure to conduct a proper and thorough review would portray INEC as an agency not committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, thus wasting people’s time.

Adebayo assured that the SDP would remain law-abiding regardless of the review’s outcome, emphasizing the importance of transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

We’ll not recognise Osun Acting CJ, NBA tells Gov. Adeleke

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the removal of the Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo, by Gov. Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Akorede Lawal, the NBA said it will not recognise Justice Olayinka Afolabi, the acting chief judge appointed by the governor.

Lawal said that the NBA’s position was anchored on the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.

“The tenure of a judicial officer cannot and should not be subject to the mood of politicians,” he added.

The National Publicity Secretary said that the governor’s action has not only negated the principle of separation of powers but was also a clear disregard for a court order.

Lawal said the association unequivocally condemned the “unlawful” actions, adding that the provisions of the 1999 Constitution are not ambiguous as to how and how a Chief Judge of a state could be removed from office.