Nigerian senate resolves to debate the conduct of the 2019 general elections

The Nigerian Senate has recently agreed to debate the conduct of the 2019 general elections, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to conduct supplementary elections in six states where governorship elections were deemed inconclusive. Amidst this backdrop of electoral scrutiny and calls for reform, Abiodun Owonikoko, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Principal Partner at Synergy Attorneys, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the electoral petition process and the potential for electoral reforms in Nigeria. Reflecting on the just-concluded elections, Owonikoko highlighted the significance of having successfully navigated through the electoral process despite its challenges. He noted that the competitive nature of the elections, with strong candidates representing leading political parties, underscored the country's commitment to credible and peaceful transfers of power. This, he believes, bodes well for the rule of law and economic stability in Nigeria. Discussing his history with electoral petitions, Owonikoko recalled his involvement in pivotal cases dating back to 1999, when Nigeria transitioned to democracy. Notable among these was his participation in a presidential election petition in 2003, where he challenged the election results alongside General Muhammadu Buhari. This experience, he stated, was instrumental in testing the limits of Nigeria's electoral system and promoting democratic growth. Drawing attention to the issue of military involvement in elections, Owonikoko emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process. He referenced a past case where the court ruled against the militarization of elections, asserting that the military should only intervene in cases of civil unrest beyond the capacity of law enforcement agencies. This stance, he argued, is crucial in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for free and fair elections. When asked about the ongoing petition challenging the election results, particularly regarding the case of Atiku Abubakar, Owonikoko cautioned against premature judgments. He stressed that electoral petitions are an integral part of the electoral process, and the Supreme Court could potentially order a fresh election depending on the outcome of the case. While refraining from speculating on the merits of Atiku's case, he acknowledged the possibility of legal challenges related to disqualification and election irregularities. In conclusion, Owonikoko underscored the evolving nature of electoral petitions and the inherent complexities in contesting election results. He emphasized the need for thorough legal scrutiny and adherence to due process in addressing electoral disputes. As calls for electoral reforms gain momentum in Nigeria, stakeholders and legal experts like Owonikoko play a crucial role in advancing transparency and accountability in the country's electoral system.