Court Ruling Does Not Affect Mathais Aliu’s NDC Candidacy In Etsako Central

The recent celebration surrounding a court ruling on the 2027 electoral process has been described as misplaced, with the position that the judgment does not affect the candidacy of Hon. Mathais Ighehie Aliu as the NDC candidate for Etsako Central State Constituency.

According to a statement issued on the matter, the substitution and replacement of candidates are internal political affairs of political parties, subject to the provisions of the law, and due process was followed in the emergence of Aliu as the NDC candidate.

The statement maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) membership registration deadline does not apply to a replacement primary in the manner being suggested, arguing that a political party may conduct a fresh primary or congress for the purpose of replacing a candidate, provided the applicable legal requirements and timelines are met.

It further argued that INEC's earlier timetable for the conduct of primaries and submission of membership registers was challenged in court, adding that the court held that the commission could not impose deadlines that override the timelines provided by law.

The statement also referenced Section 33 of the Electoral Act, which provides for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates within the period prescribed by law.

It maintained that the court judgment being celebrated by some individuals has no bearing on the candidacy of Aliu, describing him as the choice to represent the people of Etsako Central Constituency in the 2027 election.

The statement urged the people of Etsako Central to distinguish between a judgment concerning electoral timelines and any specific determination on the candidacy of their preferred candidate.

It called on supporters to remain committed to the NDC and the candidacy of Hon. Mathais Ighehie Aliu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

— Ozimah Joseph Odemokpa