INEC, not the Supreme Court should determine winner of elections - Falana

INEC, not the Supreme Court should determine winner of elections – Falana

Renowned human rights attorney, Femi Falana, has asserted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds the exclusive responsibility for determining the victors of elections in Nigeria, as opposed to the judiciary.

Falana made this declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Friday evening.

His statements follow the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu in the general election held on February 25.

In its verdict, the apex court dismissed the petitions brought forth by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Nonetheless, Falana underscored that Nigeria has yet to establish a solid foundation for conducting elections free from contention.

He articulated, “Certainly, the Supreme Court’s decision settles the dispute over the presidential election held in February this year. However, it does not constitute a judicial endorsement of INEC’s election conduct.”

“What I’m emphasizing is that even with this judgment, it is evident that Nigeria has a long road ahead in terms of ensuring the conduct of credible elections, elections characterized by harmony, and elections of which we can all be proud. We still have a considerable distance to traverse even with this judgment.”

“Yes, the presidential election is now resolved; ideally, it should have been concluded in February, but it has just been concluded by the Supreme Court, and this shouldn’t be the case. The judiciary should not be the entity determining election winners.”