INEC can’t take orders from FG, Agbakoba challenges Malami over letter on Zamfara

Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in reaction to Abubakar Malami’s letter has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a non-partisan body cannot take orders from the federal government.

The attorney general in his letter stated that INEC should postpone the elections in Zamfara State, and allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepare for the polls since the courts admitted that primaries were held.

Agbakoba however reminded Malami of the promise made by President Buhari on non-interference with INEC activities and advised the attorney general to withdraw his letter which according to him weakens the president’s obligations.

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“I am shocked by your letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the above subject. You are the Attorney General of the Federation and not the Attorney General of INEC,” Agbakoba said.

“INEC is an independent institution and cannot take directives from the Federal Government. If there is need for the postponement of the Zamfara state elections as indicated in your letter, the proper person to request the postponement is the All the Progressive Congress (APC).

The senior advocate who wrote to the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu on the ned to disregard Malami’s letter, stated that Sections 38 and 39 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which the Attorney General’s request is based on have nothing to do with postponement of elections.

“If there is need for the postponement of the Zamfara state elections, the proper person to request the postponement is the All the Progressive Congress (APC).

By Todimu Ogunade….

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