AN aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Ibrahim Ado liyasu, has served pre-action notices on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the national leadership of his party over alleged unlawful interference with his electoral mandate.
Iliyasu, a Chartered Arbitrator and President of the North Central People Development Initiative (NCPDI), submitted the notices at the headquarters of INEC and the NDC in Abuja.
The NCPDI is a regional socio-economic and political development organisation focused on issues affecting Nigeria’s North Central zone.
Speaking with journalists after submitting the notices, Iliyasu said his action was in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and established democratic principles, stressing that he was seeking redress through lawful and constitutional means.
He said the pre-action notice should not be interpreted as a confrontation with either INEC or the NDC, but as an expression of confidence in the rule of law and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“The people of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, AMAC and Bwari spoke clearly.
The party affirmed it. Yet, in a manner that offends our Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, that mandate was taken away.
We are here today to recover it through lawful channels,” he said.
Iliyasu urged INEC to maintain its neutrality as the nation’s electoral umpire and called on the NDC leadership to uphold the party’s constitution, respect its internal democratic processes and protect the mandate he said was given to him by party members.
He thanked his supporters, party leaders and well-wishers across the six Area Councils of the FCT for their support, prayers and confidence throughout the process.
The aspirant also appealed to his supporters to remain peacetul and law-abiding while the matter is pursued through legal channels.
“I urge all our supporters to remain calm, peaceful and steadfast. The journey is not over until it is truly over. We remain confident that justice will prevail,” he said.
Iliyasu has, during his campaign, advocated people-centred leadership, improved healthcare, youth and women empowerment, rural infrastructure development, justice, equity and inclusive representation
for residents of the FCT.
