Disqualify candidates with missing certificates, affidavits, HEDA tells INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been requested by the Human & Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) to reject political candidates who have either reported lost certificates or provided sworn statements in lieu of their educational credentials.

The group said the electoral body should strictly follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and its guidelines and follow up on politicians who choose to play “crooked games” and “unfounded tales by moonlight” about the whereabouts of their certificates in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by HEDA’s chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju.
Following various political candidates’ justifications for not being able to deliver their certificates and the controversy regarding the availability, validity, or otherwise of such certificates, HEDA made an appeal to INEC.

“We call on INEC to be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act and its guidelines,” the HEDA statement said.

“The most recent news are that of candidates claiming their school certificates are missing.

“Nigerians cannot be cowed by malicious and mendacious claims emanating from the political class.

“We demand that the Commission communicate the invalidity of affidavits as submitted by some candidates in the forthcoming elections to all affected candidates and their parties.

“Failure to undertake this statutory responsibility will leave HEDA with no other option than to approach a competent court of jurisdiction for an order restraining your commission from recognising such candidates.

“We believe that the Commission’s guidelines towards preparation for the 2023 general elections to political parties and the public are clear enough on presentation of certificates,” the anti-corruption body added.