The constitution is very specific on the disqualification of a candidate from contesting public office, especially where such a person is a convicted felon. In law, such unambiguous provisions are called white letter law. Despite the clarity of the law, it is baffling that some people will want to violate the extant laws. Nigeria, we hail thee.
It is only in Nigeria that you can have a person convicted of fraud and forgery who will still have the audacity to perpetrate more fraud, thus compounding his case.
Section 66 (1) (c) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reproduced thus, disqualify a person from contesting for public office:
(c) if he is under the sentence of death imposed on him by a court of competent jurisdiction or tribunal in Nigeria, or a sentence of imprisonment or fine or any other offence imposed on him by any such court or tribunal, or substituted by any competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him.
(d) Within less than ten years before the date of an election to a legislative house, has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or has been found guilty of contravention of the Code of Conduct
In furtherance, Section (84)(3) of the Electoral Act precludes a political party from imposing in its constitution or guidelines qualification or disqualification of a candidate except as provided by Section65, 66, 106,107,131,137,177, and 187 of the 1999 Constitution.
Where did the Labour Party derive the power to nominate a convicted felon who ought to be in prison serving time as a candidate?
This is a national shame and embarrassment. To read more on this story, click to download the attached court judgment.
By Clifford Emeka Ngonadi
