Kogi political observers, a group that has its objectives in ensuring that due process are observed in every electoral process in Kogi State has alleged His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi State of an attempt to set up a body for the monitoring and returning of names of delegates that will take part in the forthcoming primary elections in the state and appointing Hon Sunday Karimi an aspirant for Kogi West Senatorial District as a member of the team.
“It is a principle of natural justice that no person can judge a case (any matter) in which they have an interest. Politics inclusive.
“Observing the rules of natural justice is obligatory on anybody exercising a given functions, the result of which is capable of affecting the rights in property, personal liberty, status, livelihood or reputation, of an individual.
“The political and personal stakes are high in any election, and they can lead people to commit acts of questionable integrity, including unethical personal behaviour aimed at swaying the election result.
“There must be a set of standards of good conduct to maintain election integrity. The electoral process itself should be conducted based on the principles and values that ensure free and fair election.
“Elections and other political processes are pivotal to the quality of governance and can either greatly advance or set back long-term democratic development.
“The most fundamental principle defining credible elections is that they must reflect the free expression of the will of the people.
“To achieve this, elections should be transparent, inclusive, and accountable, and there must be equitable opportunities to compete in the elections. These broad principles are buttressed by several electoral process-related obligations, as well as a number of key rights and freedoms, each of which derive from public international law. The electoral cycle approach depicts elections as a continuous, integrated process made up of building blocks that interact with and influence each other, rather than as a series of isolated events.
“In view of this, we are calling on the leadership of the party in Kogi State with the special attention of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello to ensure that we should not make any attempt that can further divide the party before the forthcoming general election.
