Tunji Abayomi, a constitutional lawyer, and Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has cautioned the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the party over the controversial Form 18 ‘Letter of Withdrawal’ attached to the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, describing it as an arm-twisting tactics that defeats freedoms of democracy.
Abayomi noted that in a democracy no one compels aspirants to sign the so-called voluntary letters of withdrawal saying that holding aspirants to ransom defeats the freedoms of democracy.
The human rights activist in a statement titled, “A note to NWC and APC Chairman” stated that democracy is unalterably placed on written laws saying, “I see nothing in APC, Nigerian Constitution or Electoral Act 2022 or even the norms of democracy that supports subjecting aspirants to any invidious withdrawal before contest.
He specifically called on the National Chairman and members of the APC NWC to as a matter of urgency do something on the issue saying that democracy is all about the wish and will of our people and not the desire of leaders for a particular end.
Abayomi noted that in view of the new criteria attached to APC Nomination form, it is important to clarify some issues if the present NWC wishes to sustain respect and avoid falling into infamy.
He went on: “First, in a democracy you don’t tell people not to go to court unless you guarantee them the right to due process. The right to approach the court for remedy is a preeminent constitutional right in all democracies.
“Second, In a democracy you don’t ask the people to accept the result of any election unless it is free, fair, unencumbered, and democratic. The Constitution grants each partaker the right to challenge unfair elections in Court.
“In consequence, the additional conditions or criteria at page 18 of your Nomonation Form being contrary to the laws and norms of democracy, particularly the so-called voluntary letter of withdrawal before participating in the forthcoming PRIMARY and as these conditions are invidious, improper, unconstitutional they should immediately be expunged”, he added
