Politicians, not judges responsible for electoral malpractices – Sumaila
Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, the senator representing Kano South senatorial district, has blamed politicians for the controversial judgements made by courts over elections across the country.
Senator Sumaila, in a statement said politicians should not criticize the judiciary over the unfavourable court verdicts, saying the politicians themselves breach electoral laws in order to get their way.
“Who are responsible for breaking the laid down laws for elections, the judges or the politicians? We, the politicians do everything within our power during the primary elections to ensure that we emerge flag bearers of our parties.,” he said.
According to him, “During campaign, we mobilise youths and go out with heavy weapons. We will do everything including breaking laws and orders to ensure our victory at the poll, but we do not blame ourselves, rather the judges.
“We also compel INEC to do our bindings because we are the ones appointed them. On election days, politicians will ensure that their loyalists make the list for the Ad-hoc staff for conducting election in order to favour him.
“Everybody knows the relationship of most election officials with politicians. Is the judge that is responsible for signing of your ballot papers?”.
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Senator Sumaila advised his fellow politicians to fear God and also keep it in mind that members of the judiciary are also watching the actions of politicians.
“We are not thinking that Allah is watching over our actions. We are not mindful that the judges are equally watching us and they know we are lying, the general public also know we are not sincere and above all, we, the politicians know we are lying and we are not sincere.
“Then why should we complain about judges? We should be bold enough to tell the truth to ourselves,” he said.
He added: “Our supporters also know very well that right from the primary election, majority of candidates were wrongly chosen. The politicians will bring candidates that majority of people didn’t want but we will break all the rules and ensure our candidates emerged.
“After our candidates are defeated in the polls, we will go to court to challenge the victory of our candidates’ opponents. Here, who is responsible for imposing candidates, the judges or politicians?”.
“Do we think these judges are not aware of how we conduct local government elections in our states? We override elections rules and regulations and go to hotel rooms and write the names of our candidates as winners of the election.
“Do we think they don’t know all these? Are we not giving rooms for them to do whatever they want when it comes to their turn?,” the senator asked.
