A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Peter Edeh ( ANPP-Ebonyi), on Monday in Abuja faulted INEC over request for full autonomy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC had proposed amendments to the Electoral Act to enable it disqualify candidates and political parties with flawed primaries from contesting elections.
Edeh said in an interview with NAN that there was the need for caution in trying to empower the commission.
“I do not share the opinion to allow INEC to have power to disqualify candidates in elections,” he said.
According to him, if such powers are given to the commission, it will be abused by some chairmen with dictatorial tendencies.
He said that it was out of place for the commission to request for sweeping powers in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
“There is no authority in this country that is not subject to the supervision of any authority,” he said.
He said the proposed request for amendments of the Electoral Act by INEC would be considered on its merit if it was brought to the House.
The legislator said that in spite of the achievements of the current chairman, certain powers should not be given to the commission.
Edeh described the nullification of election of 10 members of the National Assembly by a Federal High Court as democracy in action.
NAN recalls that a Federal High Court on Jan. 11, nullified the Certificate of Return issued to 10 lawmakers, members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) representing Katsina State in the National Assembly.
He urged political parties to imbibe the culture of fair play by adopting internal democracy where every member would be given equal opportunity during primaries.
The legislator enjoined the members involved to accept the verdict and allow the country's democracy to grow. (NAN)