The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his stance on the controversial tenure extension of the Chief Odigie Oyegun’s led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed on Tuesday in Abuja by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Ms. Zainab Yusuf, National Coordinator and National Media Affairs Director respectively, HURIWA praised president Buhari for the action taken saying such a pro-active step is needed in the governance of political parties in order to stabilize the polity, promote internal democracy and safeguard the ongoing constitutional democracy.
The statement further read, “HURIWA while praising President Buhari for his pro-democracy stance, also carpeted the hierarchy of the Prof Mahmood Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to oppose the unconstitutional tenure elongation even when the constitution of Nigeria empowers it to play the legal role of the custodian of the norms, rules and regulations of party formation and governance”
The Rights group said the body language, the persistent conspiratorial silence to the breaches of extant electoral rules including that banning open campaign before the due time which have been violated by the Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu, by the INEC’s Chairman and his management portrays them as people tjhat can easily be manipulated and used as a willing tool to undermine the credibility of the 2019 general elections.
“As democrats, we urge all party leaders to adhere strictly to the constitution of their political party which must also comply with the provisions enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
“Those who seek to lead political platforms that are expected to produce candidates to occupy strategic political offices must be ready to abide by the laws,” it said.