The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has berated former president Olusegun Obasanjo over his comment on the recently-concluded gubernatorial election in the state, saying he is abusing the privilege of being a statesman.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of APC in the state, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Monday in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.
DAILY POST reports that Obasanjo had, in a 16-page letter he released on Sunday with the title: ‘Points for concern and action’ made allusion to the Osun gubernatorial election to justify his apprehension about the credibility and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct free and fair elections on February 16 and March 2.
APC stressed that the former President was, by his comment, expressing an opinion that is subjudice to a case that is already in court, and is being currently litigated.
It argued that Obasanjo ‘s comment on the Osun governorship election of last September is a matter that should be left to court to decide.
“Expressing an opinion on the case at this stage is not only unlawful, it is a glaring disrespect for the rule and process of the law. This is more so because ex-President Obasanjo is using that case which is still disputed to illustrate unfairly his allegation that INEC cannot be trusted to run a free, fair and credible presidential election next month.
“We advise Chief Obasanjo to limit his comment on a matter that is subjudice, otherwise, he would be laying a precedent that would be unhelpful to the rule of law
“Under our electoral law and the provisions of our constitution, INEC has the function of conducting all elections in the country and it is also empowered to declare an election valid or invalid if there is sufficient lawful reasons to do so.
“Osun’s case is not the first such instance of invalidation of any particular election which is deemed to be inconsistent with the laws of the Federation as stipulated in the constitution and the electoral law.
“Neither the APC, the PDP or even Obasanjo can make a pronouncement on whether or not an election is conclusive or inconclusive after INEC has made a pronouncement. Only the court has such powers.
“Obasanjo’s comment is not only unsolicited, it is an unacceptable interference in the process of the court which he has no legal right to do,” the statement read.
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