Categories: News

Poll Shift: Buhari Plans to Appoint Amina Zakari as INEC Chairman, CUPP Alleges

Malik Yahya/

The Coalition of United Political Parties has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is planning to suspend the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The group claimed the President was planning to name Amina Zakari as the acting Chairman, citing her experience as the oldest and most experienced National Commissioner.

The coalition made the allegation in a statement in Abuja today by its spokesman, Imo Ugochinyere.

The statement reads: “The President is planning to use the excuse of inability to hold election today (Saturday) as a reason for the imminent suspension.

“Feigning ignorance of the real reasons behind the shift, the President in his earlier statement today did not have just a word for the shameful and despicable actions of security forces and the Central Bank’s staff who, in obedience to Presidency’s directives, deliberately sabotaged the distribution of sensitive materials in selected states.

“We are aware that his hurried return to Abuja today from his home state, Katsina, is to sack the INEC boss. But this should be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community.

“The sin of the INEC chairman is that he refused to conduct staggered elections that will allow the President and his men to manipulate the process.

“The Presidency had mounted pressure on the Commission to conduct election today in states where there were no issues and postpone only the states with materials distribution issues.“The INEC chairman insisted on conducting the election at the same time, hence warranting the postponement of the entire election.

“We hereby warn President Buhari that the position of the INEC chairman is independent, hence, he cannot be removed from office via suspension.

“The 1999 Constitution in Section 157(1) states that the chairman and members of the Commission may only be removed by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate that the person be removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.

“We are aware that the government itself sabotaged INEC distribution of materials.

“We are warning that any attempt to sack or suspend the INEC chairman will only lead to electoral and constitutional crisis. The nation is still grappling with the illegality and unconstitutionality of the removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.“If the President has ears, let him hear.”

0
Editor

Recent Posts

Are The Grammys Relevant Outside the United States?

Building Credibility For nearly eight decades, the Grammy Awards have stood as the pinnacle of…

12 hours ago

Disputed 5.3bn Shares: Court Adjourns Barbican/FBN Holdings Suit as Ecobank’s Recusal Motion Remains Pending

Justice Ayokunle Faji has adjourned further proceedings in the suit filed by Barbican Capital Limited…

2 days ago

Los Angeles Protects Undocumented Immigrants from Trump’s Deportation Plans with Sanctuary Ordinance

Segun Atanda/ The Los Angeles City Council has approved a sweeping "sanctuary city" ordinance designed…

2 days ago

Trump Could Face Prison After Second Term, Prosecutors Say

Segun Atanda/ New York prosecutors have opposed dismissing President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business…

2 days ago

MC Oluomo Flouts Court Order, Assumes Office as NURTW President

Femi Ashekun/ In a bold and controversial move, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, has defied a…

2 days ago

Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar … Dissolves Council

Matilda Omonaiye/ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,…

2 days ago