Bob Clifford Ofunne, the senatorial aspirant for Delta North on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has strongly criticized the timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the purchase and return of nomination forms. He argued that the crowded schedule denies aspirants their fundamental rights to fairness, inclusiveness, and due process.
Vision for Unity and Justice
The PRP chieftain in Delta State emphasized that his vision is centered on unity, justice, accountability, and national progress. He noted that Nigeria has entered a critical phase in its democracy, where the government and electoral regulators must reconsider timelines to make contests easier and less chaotic.
Criticism of Screening and Primaries
Ofunne specifically criticized the timelines for screening and party primaries, asserting that the numerous litigations and internal crises currently witnessed are direct results of INEC's crowded timetable. In a statement, he appealed to the government and INEC to carefully reconsider aspects of the current electoral timelines, particularly those related to nomination form purchases, screening exercises, and party primaries.
He highlighted that over the past few months, Nigeria's political landscape has seen major developments, including internal crises, litigations, defections, alignments, and restructuring within various political parties. These realities have created uncertainties that may affect many qualified Nigerians willing to contest for political positions.
A Patriotic Call for Reflection
Ofunne clarified that his appeal is not intended to undermine any institution or political party. Instead, it is a patriotic call for reflection and necessary adjustments to strengthen democracy, reduce avoidable disputes, and protect the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process. He encouraged other political parties, aspirants, stakeholders, and citizens to join in appealing to INEC to reconsider the wisdom behind the current timelines and assess their impact on aspirants, party processes, and democratic participation nationwide.
According to him, Nigeria's democracy must continue to evolve in a way that promotes transparency, justice, political stability, and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. He concluded, "May wisdom, patriotism, fairness, and justice guide every decision taken for the peace, unity, and progress of our dear country."
