The All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened to boycott future elections unless the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is restructured urgently.
In a statement issued by its Interim National Chairman, Bisi Akande on Tuesday, the APC said it has lost confidence in the INEC personnel and the current voters’ register used for the controversial November 16 Anambra governorship election.
Akande recalled the irregularities that marred the election, lamenting the disenfranchisement of several of APC supporters, insisting that the conduct of the election did not comply with Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
The party also restated its stand on total cancellation of the November 16 election, calling for fresh election.
Akande’s statement reads in part, “There is no doubt that our party has totally lost confidence in the ability and capability of INEC to organize a free, fair and transparent election anywhere in Nigeria.
“We have no iota of confidence in INEC’s personnel and the commission’s voters’ register, which we believe has been irredeemably tampered with to such an extent that it can no longer be relied upon for any election.
“We will be forced to take a decision not to participate in any future election until there is a far-reaching restructuring of INEC that will see a purge of the bad eggs in the commission, a re-orientation of the remaining staffers and the compilation of a new and credible voters’ register.
“The restructuring of INEC and the compilation of a new voters’ register are the barest minimum requirements for Nigeria’s return to the path of electoral chastity.
“For the umpteenth time, there were serious irregularities and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
“As things stand, we have a dangerous admixture of Power and Impunity, and the end product cannot but be explosive.
“Make no mistake about it: If something drastic but lawful is not done now to stop this electoral impunity, our country is ultimately heading for the precipice. This is not about crying wolf where none exists. The wolf is here and ready to pounce. Our challenge is to stop it before it is too late”.
