‘SDP’s Natasha not validly nominated’

From James Azania, Lokoja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  has denied disqualifying the Kogo State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Natasha Akpoti.

Speaking with reporters in Lokoja, the state capital, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, said that the commission did not receive any valid nomination from the party.

Natasha has however said that the electoral umpire has no right to deny her the right to be voted for, adding that she is already in court to challenge her disqualification.

Natasha, during an interaction with our correspondent, called on her supporters to remain hopeful, asserting that the SDP logo will be on the ballot papers on the day of election.

She said: “I am in court for an injunction. If the court fails in upholding my civil right to contest, then I alongside patriotic Nigerians shall peacefully protest.

“I still consider myself being in the race, because INEC has no authority to reject, nor disqualify my candidacy for whatever reasons, going by Section 31(1) of the 2015 Electoral Act.

“I urge everyone to keep the spirit of positivity up, and trust enough to utilize the citizens’ powers in themselves to reject any systemic manipulation to disenfranchise our candidacy. The SDP logo shall be on the ballot come November 16 and the good people of Kogi State shall have a chance of electing me as their credible and capable leader.”

Giving an insight into why INEC took the decision, the National Commissioner said the SDP deputy governorship candidate did not meet up to the 35 years of age as specified in the Electoral Act, and as such is not eligible to be nominated.

He said, by law, the SDP was deemed not to have submitted a candidate’s name for the November 16 Kogi governorship election, since at the close of nomination, the party’s deputy governorship candidate was not validly nominated.

Okoye said the SDP deputy governorship candidate, in a sworn affidavit contained in his form CF001, which he deposed to on September 6, 2019, indicated that he was born on October 5, 1985, while his attached state of origin form showed he was born on October 5, 1987.

He added: “She (Natasha) submitted her nomination without valid submission of deputy and, therefore, did not submit any valid submission.”