In a democratic society, the consequences of illegalities can have far-reaching effects on the political landscape. Recent events in Edo State, Nigeria have brought to light the potential ramifications of such actions, particularly in the context of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship primaries.
On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the PDP Governorship primaries were concluded in Edo State. However, it soon became apparent that illegalities had taken place during the process, courtesy of the National Working Committee (NWC). The NWC’s actions resulted in the emergence of not one, but two Governorship aspirants from the same party, in direct violation of constitutional law.
To address the grievances of the party aspirants affected by these illegalities, the PDP National Working Committee Appeal Panel was scheduled to hold a seating on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. However, upon learning of the consequences of their own illegal actions, the NWC members boycotted the appeal panel seating.
With two Governorship aspirants now vying for the same position within the PDP, the consequences of these illegalities are clear. The party risks the contempt of court for their actions, as they have flouted the constitutional law. This raises a crucial question: Will the court allow the PDP to field a candidate for the Edo State Governorship election?
Furthermore, the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) comes into play. Will INEC accept the name of the candidate who was elected with illegal delegates, or will they recognize the name of the candidate who was duly elected by the authentic delegates? These are the fundamental questions that need to be addressed in order to uphold the principles of fairness and justice within the democratic process.
The consequences of illegalities perpetrated by political parties can shake the very foundations of democracy. They undermine the trust of the electorate and undermine the credibility of the political system as a whole. The actions of the PDP NWC in Edo State serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and adhering to constitutional practices.
If the court were to allow the PDP to field a candidate despite the illegalities that have taken place, it would set a dangerous precedent. It would suggest that the party can operate above the law, disregarding the principles of democracy and the rights of the authentic delegates.
Similarly, if INEC were to accept the candidate elected with illegal delegates, it would send a message that the rules can be bent or broken to suit political agendas. This would undermine the impartiality and integrity of the electoral process and erode public confidence in the democratic system.
Ultimately, the consequences of illegalities in the political sphere are detrimental to the ideals of democracy and the principles of justice. They undermine the trust of the people and erode the foundations upon which the democratic process is built. It is essential that integrity and accountability are prioritized, not only in party primaries but also in the broader political landscape.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the parties involved reckon with the consequences of their actions, it is crucial that the rule of law is respected and upheld. The court’s decision on whether to allow the PDP to field a candidate and INEC’s stance on which candidate to recognize will set a precedent for future electoral processes. These decisions will shape the course of democracy in not just Edo State, but the entire nation, and will determine whether illegalities have lasting consequences or can be swept under the rug.
Comrade Robinson Akhenoba is the writer and publisher of The Political Evangelist
