The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of being biased. This accusation came during the delivery of the lead judgment in a case involving the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
The Appeal Court found it strange that INEC appeared before them to support a particular party in an election dispute. INEC not only disowned documents that it had issued, but also officially certified. This behavior was seen as inappropriate and partisan.
The Court reminded INEC of its role in elections, which is to be a fair and neutral umpire between parties. However, it expressed disappointment that INEC had been acting irresponsibly and not fulfilling its duty to conduct elections in a way that promotes peace and the well-being of the country.
As a result of the Court’s ruling, the election of Abubakar Suleiman, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, was declared invalid. INEC had previously certified him as the winner of the state’s Ningi Central Constituency.