Olawepo-Hashim calls for disbandment of INEC over appeal court judgment

Former presidential contender and NNPP stalwart Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has called for the dissolution of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the wake of a Court of Appeal ruling on the Electoral Act. The appellate court's decision, Olawepo-Hashim contends, has exposed glaring deficiencies in electoral administration and cast serious doubt on the integrity of INEC.

In a press release, he argued that the judgment has nullified crucial provisions of the Electoral Act, demanding comprehensive reforms to restore public trust in Nigeria's electoral machinery. "The judgment demonstrates that INEC's current framework is no longer fit for purpose," he stated. "It is imperative that INEC be disbanded and replaced with a more transparent and accountable electoral body."

The NNPP chieftain emphasized that electoral reforms must transcend mere legislative tweaks, addressing the systemic shortcomings he identified within INEC. He stressed that genuine democracy hinges on elections that accurately reflect the will of the populace, and that Nigerians are entitled to an electoral system that ensures transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Olawepo-Hashim urged government agencies and stakeholders to heed the implications of the Court of Appeal's decision and take swift action to bolster Nigeria's democratic institutions. He also called on political actors, civil society groups, and the general public to back initiatives aimed at reforming the electoral process and safeguarding the integrity of upcoming elections.