INEC: We can’t disqualify aspirants with court cases

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked speculations that the the commission would disqualify politicians with court cases from contesting elections in the future.

Prince Adedeji Solomon Soyemi the National Commissioner in charge of Publicity of INEC told PRNigeria that rumours like that are sprayed by mere busy-bodies aimed at scaring their opponents from contesting elections.

It was gathered that the speculations gained momentum when anti-corruption agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned some major political aspirants in court over alleged money-laundering with regards to 2015 campaign fundings.

However, Prince Soyebi insisted that the INEC has no powers or jurisdictions to disqualify any candidate submitted by the political parties.

“We have been inundated with this baseless insinuation, which we have denounced because INEC has no power whatsoever to disqualify any political aspirant or candidate as the case may be.

“The rumours have been trending on social media alleging that INEC will not issue forms to anyone with a pending case of embezzlement before the security agencies or any court. The story is completely false and baseless and could not have emanated from the Commission.

“As we have stated repeatedly, grounds for disqualification are clearly spelt out in the 1999 Constitution as amended. There is no way whatsoever to act outside the Constitutional provisions to disqualify anyone.” the INEC publicity officer added.