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AD crisis: INEC’s timely intervention
The
crisis that has rocked the Alliance for Democracy (AD) for some time now
appears to be coming to an end if the current reaction of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) is anything to go by.
In
what has been widely applauded, INEC uncharacteristically came out during the
week with a statement that it was indisposed to moves by some people to
organise a fresh convention last weekend.
INEC’s
opposition was hinged on the ground that the recently concluded convention in
Lagos, which produced the former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, as the
party chairman was still valid. The electoral body was disturbed that, rather
than looking for ways of ending the schism, the pre-occupation of some of the
members was to continue to fan the embers of animosity.
Part
of INEC’s statement reads: “The notification is coming on after the
recent convention held under the direction of the National Convention Committee
set up by the party in 2003. The convention was duly monitored by the
commission. Therefore, the commission considers another convention at this time
uncalled for and will not monitor it.”
With
this timely intervention, INEC has not only followed the right course, it has
thrown up a challenge to the warring leaders and those still wielding the sword
that they should sit down on a round table and iron out their differences. Even
then, the electoral body’s intervention would have a spillover effects on
other political parties to put their houses in order.
Happily
enough, Akande has indicated his readiness to reach out to aggrieved members to
come back to the fold. This is commendable and should be encouraged.
INEC’s stance should not however be construed as a victory for any of the
factions; rather it should serve as an opportunity for the party leaders to
demonstrate their loyalty to the party’s unity and commitment to the
democratic process.
The presence of frontline pro-democracy activists, such
as Pa Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and other opposition leaders at the
Lagos convention sent a clear message that the progressives are not sitting
idle while the political space continues to be devoid of robust ideological
debate. It is indeed, good for the country’s young democracy for there
to be plurality of views and divergent of opinions on how best to navigate the
ship of state. It is our hope that INEC will henceforth act promptly and
decisively on matters that affect the soul of this democratic process.
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