Dr. Sam Amadi has called out INEC and the judiciary for their roles in undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s 2023 elections. In a powerful speech, Amadi highlighted the need for adherence to electoral rules and transparency, urging a reevaluation of how elections are conducted and contested in the country.
In a thought-provoking and forceful presentation, Dr. Sam Amadi, a distinguished legal scholar and former regulator, did not mince words as he sharply criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary for their roles in what he described as the failure of Nigeria’s 2023 elections. His remarks, delivered at a recent forum, have sparked significant discussion about the future of electoral integrity in Nigeria.
Dr. Amadi began by acknowledging the intellectual excellence of a preceding speaker, but quickly shifted focus to emphasize the paramount importance of honesty and integrity, especially in the context of managing and safeguarding democratic processes. “Brilliance is cheap, but honesty is expensive,” he remarked, underscoring the critical need for truthfulness in electoral management.
Amadi argued that elections, both globally and within Nigeria, are fundamentally won on strategy. However, he lamented that the strategy deployed in Nigeria’s 2023 elections was deeply flawed, characterized by corruption at multiple levels. He accused INEC of failing to uphold the Electoral Act, particularly pointing to the failure to transmit election results electronically as a key violation. According to him, this disregard for the law undermined the credibility of the entire electoral process.
Moreover, Dr. Amadi did not spare the judiciary in his critique. He expressed disappointment that the courts, including the Supreme Court, had endorsed these electoral flaws instead of correcting them. Drawing from his extensive experience and expertise in administrative law, Amadi asserted that the courts should have held INEC accountable for not adhering to the established rules, as these rules carry the weight of law once they are enacted.
The legal scholar stressed that the judiciary’s primary role should be to restore the power of voting to the people, rather than merely settling disputes between candidates. He advocated for a shift in electoral jurisprudence that would allow citizens, not just political candidates, to challenge flawed electoral processes in court. This, he argued, would ensure that elections truly reflect the will of the people.
Amadi also highlighted the issue of internal democracy within political parties, pointing out that the Electoral Act requires that candidates be selected through democratic processes, whether direct or indirect. He urged the judiciary to enforce these provisions strictly, ensuring that political parties do not violate their own rules when selecting candidates.
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Amadi called for a comprehensive reevaluation of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the roles of INEC and the judiciary. He emphasized that without accountability and strict adherence to the law, Nigeria’s democracy would remain vulnerable to manipulation and corruption.
His presentation has reignited debates about the need for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in future elections. WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
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