A human rights activist, Festus Ogun, while speaking on the outcome of the 2023 general election, predicted that many Certificate of Return issue by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be returned.
Questions have been raised by Nigerian and the international bodies over the conduct of the presidential, governorship and other elections in the country.
INEC despite spending billions of naira on the election had issues with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and also the failure to promptly update the INEC result viewing portal ( IReV).
according to Festus, the failure of INEC to conduct a free, fair and credible election has seen politician files several suits in court.
The lawyer in an interview with daily post, however, stated that the number of politicians declared winners will be shocked by the outcome of court ruling.
“I am involved in quite a number of election cases where I, alongside others, represent bath petitioners and respondents, he said.
“These gives me a broad view even the supposed winners acknowledge that the electioneering process was flawed.
Feeble, some INEC officials, including the RECs and returning of officers, where not neutral.
Lots of the certificate of return issue by INEC will be returned. I know, as a matter of fact, that will be a review of some of the outcome.
speaking on how to avoid a repeat of the irregularities witness during the election,
Witnessed during the election , he said there has to a system that make take that the electoral body truly independence.
“This started from this appointment of INEC leadership, the mode of appointment needs to be review , Festus said.
The Adamawa experience should that some INEC officials are not neutral.
These character , with respect, are a misfit and a product of a system that allows rogue politicians to appoint into cronies INEC key decision – making position.”