The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called on Nigerians to initiate legal action against any presidential candidate with false claims in certificates submitted to the body.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood on Friday after the electoral body releases list of presidential candidates.
Mahmood in the statement said the certificates and particulars of presidential candidates and NASS assembly members have been made public in order for Nigerians to scrutinize it and report any misinformation.
According to him, “Any person with reasonable ground to believe that any information on Form CF001 submitted by a candidate contains incorrect or false claims are at liberty to file an action against such candidate at the Federal High Court or the High Court of a State or FCT.
The statement reads: “The submission of nominations for Governorship and State Assembly elections is ongoing until 2nd November 2018.
“I wish to provide clarifications on the ongoing publication of the personal particulars of candidates. Each candidate nominated by a political party is required to provide details of his/her personal particulars.
“By personally completing the Form CF001 and to swear an affidavit at the Federal High Court, a High Court of a State or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Within seven (7) days from the close of submission of these documents, the Commission is required to publish the form in the constituencies that candidates seek to represent as required by Section 31(3) of the Electoral Act. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. This will give the general public the opportunity to view the affidavit of personal particulars of those who aspire to represent them.
“Any person with reasonable ground to believe that any information on Form CF001 submitted by a candidate contains incorrect or false claims are at liberty to file an action against such candidate at the Federal High Court or the High Court of a State or FCT. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
“While the current exercise is limited to candidates for Presidential & Nat. Assem elections, the personal particulars of those contesting in Gov & State Assem elections will be published on 9th Nov, 2018, 1week after the close of submission of nominations by political parties.
“The general public are to seize this opportunity to view the personal details of the candidates that seek to represent them.
“The Forms, as completed on oath by the candidates & submitted to the INEC by their parties, are photocopied & pasted in our State & LGAs office nationwide.
“This is an opportunity for citizens to ascertain the personal details of the candidates to enable them to make informed decisions on election day or even initiate legal action against candidates who they believe have made false claims on their Forms.”
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