APC Kicks Off Local Government Election Campaign Amidst Credibility Crisis: Certificate, Age & Perjury Allegations Surface

 *APC Kicks Off Local Government Election Campaign Amidst Credibility Crisis: Certificate, Age & Perjury Allegations Surface

The All Progressives Congress (APC) recently presented its candidates with flags for the forthcoming local government elections at the party's Acme Secretariat. This event was held despite significant concerns surrounding the conduct of the party's primary elections.

 Multiple allegations of irregularities and potential violations of electoral laws have been leveled against certain candidates across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within the state.

The party's appeal committee reportedly received petitions from over 45 Chairmanship aspirants and 59 Councillorship aspirants. These petitions detailed serious allegations, including age falsification, certificate forgery, perjury, and manipulation of the electoral process etc 

Despite the severity of these allegations, the party leadership appears to have disregarded the complaints and proceeded with the campaign launch, indicating a readiness for the upcoming elections. This decision raises serious questions about the party's commitment to upholding ethical standards and recognizing the potential consequences of such actions.

As Lagosians anticipate the opportunity to elect individuals of value and integrity to represent them in their respective councils, the All Progressives Congress leadership, in its discretion, has chosen a different path. The appeal committee, which received numerous petitions, has remained silent, failing to publicly release its findings or provide justification for the authenticity and resolution of the claims. This lack of transparency further fuels concerns about the fairness and integrity of the candidate selection process.

The failure to publicly disclose the appeal committee's findings further exacerbates public concerns. It raises anxieties that individuals potentially facing serious accusations will be allowed to assume leadership roles within the LGAs and LCDAs for the next four years. This lack of transparency undermines public trust and casts doubt on the party's commitment to good governance.

Supporters of the accused candidates have taken to social media, asserting that the matter is an internal party affair and a pre-election issue, over which the party holds exclusive jurisdiction. However, this perspective disregards the fundamental rights of any aspirant to seek legal recourse in a competent court if they believe they have been wronged by the party's decision-making processes.

This viewpoint overlooks the fundamental right of aspirants to seek redress in a competent court of jurisdiction if they believe the party has demonstrated a lack of equity and fairness in assessing the merits of their allegations.

According to Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the judiciary is vested with the power to determine questions relating to the civil rights and obligations of citizens. This principle has been affirmed in numerous court decisions, including the landmark case of Atiku Abubakar v. PDP & Others (2014) LPELR-22777(SC). In this case, the Supreme Court held that a court possesses the authority to nullify a primary election where violations of the party's constitution or electoral guidelines have occurred.

 Furthermore, in Buhari v. Obasanjo (2014) LPELR-22778(SC), the Supreme Court affirmed the jurisdiction of courts to adjudicate disputes related to primary elections, including matters concerning the conduct of delegate elections. These legal precedents underscore the right of an aspirant to seek redress in a competent court, citing the relevant constitutional provisions, electoral laws, and established case law.

The implications of the APC's decision to field candidates, given the existing evidence, legal precedents, and the party's own constitution, are significant. It could potentially lead to the disqualification of those candidates if they participate in the election, effectively leaving the party without representation.

Historical precedents support this concern. For instance, on May 19, 2019, the Supreme Court nullified the APC's election victory in Zamfara State. Additionally, the case of Salisu Buhari, who was disgraced from office in 1999 due to certificate forgery, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such actions.

Also the APC's governorship victory in Bayelsa State, nullified on February 2020 by the supreme Court due to a similar case involving certificate forgery.

Based on these precedents, the leadership and stakeholders within the Lagos APC should carefully consider the implications of their actions. They must act with integrity and transparency, recognizing that opposition parties and the electorate are closely observing their decisions. The public's desire to avoid having individuals with questionable backgrounds managing public funds should be a primary concern.

In conclusion, many of the allegations against the candidates involve serious charges, including perjury, certificate forgery, and age falsification etc these accusations may draw parallels to past cases, such as that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it's crucial to remember that those matters were thoroughly investigated, and facts were presented, ultimately leading to a Supreme Court verdict.

However, a key difference lies in the transparency surrounding these current allegations. How many of the accused candidates have publicly made their certificates and information available for public scrutiny, or otherwise provided concrete evidence to prove their innocence? Instead of relying on supporters to engage in deflection and unsubstantiated claims, the candidates should focus on demonstrating their integrity.

In all this unending gambles of the All Progressives Congress, the opposition parties are watching patiently and might latch on the overconfidence of the ruling party to challenge the results of election in court to claim victory . Local Government Election in Lagos state would surely have a part 2 to test the law and integrity of the judiciary .

A word is sufficient for the wise, and a stitch in time saves nine. It is hoped that the leadership and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State will prioritize the tenets of integrity, transparency, and equity in their decision-making process.