The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties(CNPP), has showered encomiums on the resolve of the main opposition party in Ekiti State, the People’s Democratic PartyPDP), to participate in the December 7, 2019 Local government elections.
The umbrella body for all political parties, said the PDP’s interest in the elections confirmed its belief and confidence in Governor Kayode Fayemi’s readiness to allow the State Independent Electoral Commission(SIEC) to conduct free, fair and credible polls.
The CNPP, however disagreed with the party’s position branding the SIEC Chairman, Justice Jide Aladejana, as a dismissed Judge, saying his suspension is still being contested at the supreme Court.
Contrary to the opposition’s insinuation, the political organisation said Aladejana was never dismissed by National Judicial Council(NJC) over his role in the impeachment of former Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2006.
In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Friday, CNPP Chairman in Ekiti, Deacon Olu Akomolafe, said PDP and other parties have nothing to fear, saying there are assurances that the elections won’t be rigged in favour of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress(APC).
“We want to commend the PDP for revealing its readiness to partake in the local government elections, this will no doubt add to the credibility of the elections and make people to make the right choices.
“This readiness also goes a long way to buttress the fact that Governor Fayemi will do what is right and just by allowing the people to freely elect their preferred candidates without imposition.
“Since 2007, every election conducted at the third tier of government were being boycotted by main opposition party. With this, it will be a clear departure from the past and makes the elections more credible and worthwhile”, CNPP said.
The party said labelling the SIEC Chairman as a dismissed Judge showed that the PDP had little knowledge about the credentials of the jurist.
“Shortly after the event leading to former Governor Fayose’s impeachment in 2006, the NJC took some actions by suspending him over his role.
“But upon assumption of office, the then Acting Governor, Hon. Tope Ademiluyi reabsorbed him with a contention that NJC could not have unilaterally suspended him without deferring to Ekiti government , its employee.
“The governments of Segun Oni, Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose never reversed the action taken by Ademiluyi, so going by the constitution, he is still a serving judge and the PDP was wrong by its warped perception that he had been dismissed and not fit to head that commission”, CNPP said.