OGUN PCO CONDEMNS GOVERNOR AMOSUN'S VISIT TO INEC... SAYS IT'S AN ATTEMPT TO COMPROMISE THE COMMISSION

The Presidential Campaign Organization, Ogun State has condemned the visit of the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun's visit to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, describing it as a gross violation of the 'independence' of the commission and a subtle way to blackmail and compromise the electoral body.

Governor Amosun, being a candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC) who is also standing for election in the April 11, 2015 governorship election, just like every other candidates standing for elections, has no legal and moral right to visit the INEC office to complain about the distribution of the Permanent Voters's Cards in the state. This is crass opportunism, and open blackmail, aimed principally to compromise the integrity, neutrality and independence of the election umpire. We condemn this in totality.

Just like to every other Nigerians, candidates, politicians and political parties, there are other windows open and available to vent any perceived, assumed or imagined 'irregularities' in the conduct and operations of any independent commissions and or agencies.

For instance, Governor Amosun could issue press statement, grant press interviews or even write an official but open letter to the commission to register his protest, especially since he feels strongly about the unpopularity and dwindling political fortunes of his All Progressive Congress (APC) political parties in the coming elections. Descending to such adventurous low of a visit to the commission is the height of executive clueless and a gross sign of desperation on a dwindling political fortune.

It should be emphasized, that by letters of the constitution, INEC is an independent commission, and not only must it be seen to be so; the sanctity of this 'independence' must be well preserved. It is ONLY under President Ebele Goodluck Jonathan that the neutrality, independence and autonomy of the commission has been absolutely protected and guaranteed, and no governor should be allowed to use his office to remove from this.
The hallmark of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration is in the strict compliance to the Rule of Law, and this, many Nigerians have come to appreciate and respect with a resolve to return him by voting for him in the March 28, 2015 elections.