Judiciary undermining INEC’s innovations, says Abaribe

Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, says the Nigerian judiciary has failed to keep pace with the technological innovations introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Monday at the review of INEC’s innovation in electoral technology (2015–2025) organised by the Anthena Centre in Abuja, Abaribe said the problem with Nigeria’s electoral system is not the technology but the interpretation of laws by the courts.

“I don’t think that there is anyone who is against innovation that will improve the process. If there’s anyone, not Enyinnaya Abaribe,” he said.

“I am actually a beneficiary of the new INEC process of direct transmission of results. The key issue we need to look at — and most people are not paying attention — is that our judicial processes are years behind the innovations we are implementing.”

The senator said INEC guidelines, which should be considered part of the electoral law, are often disregarded by the courts.

“That is why, as pointed out, the guidelines of INEC taken to court are not supported by the courts,” he said.

“Meanwhile, the guidelines are supposed to be seen as part of the law. We passed the law and have given INEC the leeway. It is part of legal interpretation that a guideline of INEC is also part of the law for the election.

“But you go to court and the court says, ‘no, we don’t accept it’. Why? So, you go all the way back after the innovations are done.

“Otherwise, I do not think we should have a problem, and we should continue in the process that we have at the moment.”