2003 Imo Guber: It’s  Worrisome, Courts  Decide  Election Winners Rather Than Voters–Achonu

…Vows to sustain Imo’s transformation struggle .

The candidate of Labour Party,LP in the November 11, 2023 Imo governorship election, Senator Athan  Nneji Achonu has expressed deep concerns over the way the Courts determine the outcome of electoral contests in Nigeria instead of the people.

This is even as Senator Achonu insisted that he campaigned vigorously in 2023, braving  insecurity and other odds, and won the support of Imolites during last year’s governorship poll, but regretted that somebody whom he alleged, was  cruising in far away Abuja eventually claimed victory.

Achonu who represented Okigwe Zone in the Senate in 2015, further stated that while he has respect for the judiciary as the final arbiter in the Nigerian legal system, the

circumstances surrounding the judgement in last year’s Imo gubernatorial contest, were deeply

concerning.

He noted that his concerns were never in any way borne out of bitterness, but sheer commitment to the principles of justice and fairness characteristic of a democrat.

“It is clear now that in Nigeria, it is no longer the the people who decide who wins an election, it is the judiciary.

“The audacity of this practice, where the judiciary’s pronouncements outweigh the people’s votes, should alarm every patriotic Nigerian,’ Achonu added.

He further expressed dissatisfaction at what he saw as INEC’s seeming inability to assert itself as an Independent Umpire, as well as the alleged inability of the Judiciary to ensure INEC does the right thing in election petition matters.

Thanking the leadership of Labour Party in Imo led by Barr Calistus Ihejiagwa, the Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, and Labour Party faithful for their courage and unwavering support.

Senator Achonu also expressed gratitude to God Almighty  for protecting him and his team all through the governorship campaigns last year, and vowed to ensure that Labour Party played its role as a vibrant opposition party that would criticise the ruling party where necessary, and give praises where it is deserved.

 

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