Kenneth Okonkwo: APC Modifying Electoral Laws Fearing Internal Crisis

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent human rights lawyer and political activist, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its push towards contentious electoral amendments, suggesting these changes arise from fears of imminent internal collapse.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Okonkwo contended that the latest alterations to Nigeria's electoral system, especially those regarding party membership records, are not intended to bolster democracy, but rather to "create mischief" and undermine opposition groups.

He stated, "Opposition parties are understandably upset because democracy is at risk. How can the government declare that opposition parties must put together a digitalized membership register less than two months before elections? This is articulated in Section 77."

He elaborated, "The goal of amending laws should be to rectify issues. However, the current amendments under the APC aim to cause further issues. This is what leads Nigeria into deeper distress. Section 77 indicates that political parties exist as corporate entities with continuing succession and hold a common seal to initiate legal actions. Thus, their legal identity shall be recognized, yet they are now mandated to maintain a digital register that includes names, addresses, local government polling units, and even the National Identification Number of members. This register will be the sole one used during their primaries, making it impossible to utilize any other source."

"Twenty-one days before a primary election, this register must be submitted to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission). Anyone not listed cannot vote or be nominated. These provisions are systematically designed to limit political parties' actions. They have declared that any party failing to present this register will not be allowed to field candidates. Clearly, these are significant pitfalls sewn into the fabric of this legislation. It serves their interests as they anticipate that the APC may implode, aiming to prevent any member discontented by their questionable direct primary system from seeking remedy in other parties. These tactics are all geared towards self- preservation while simultaneously attempting to suffocate the opposition, although they will ultimately fail."

Okonkwo further cautioned that Nigeria is heading towards instability, referencing recent municipal elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that he claims were held under a law introduced only three days prior.

He added, "We appear to be veering towards anarchy. Just look at what's transpiring. The FCT municipal election was conducted based on an obscure law, one that was enacted just ahead of the event. There were no restrictions just 24 hours before the elections."