Amupitan, however, noted that while this might not be achieved immediately, it would eventually become the norm under his watch.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said that despite the fact that it is the right of a candidate or political party to seek legal redress in court over an election, he would champion “electoral justice” and drastically reduce post-election litigation in Nigeria.
He made the pledge while addressing journalists in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, ahead of the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial election in the state.
According to him, INEC under his watch will strive to conduct elections where contestants would see no justification to go to court but accept the outcome.
He added that while he might not achieve the feat immediately, it would eventually become the norm under his leadership of the electoral body.
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While addressing newsmen, Amupitan said, “One of the things I want to introduce in this country is electoral justice. The goal is that if you lose, you know you have lost.
“When you feel cheated, or you have been shortchanged by INEC or by undue advantage through the security men or whatever it is, and you say ‘Okay, I must go to court and challenge it.’
“But if within yourself, you know that justice has been served, I’m sure that some people will now begin to accept it. Nobody can force anybody not to go to court. There’s what is known as access to justice, and the courts must wait for somebody to bring a case to court.
“So, if nobody brings a case, even if you set up a tribunal and nobody goes to the court, the court cannot force you to bring your case. It may not be immediate, but we are looking at a situation whereby our elections will not be faulted.”
