Verification of candidates not to witch hunt - INEC
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Maurice Iwu, has said that the verification of candidates is not to witch-hunt politicians but to rid Nigeria of bad leaders.
Speaking at a meeting with staff of the commission from the South-East and South-South zones in Enugu , Iwu said the exercise was a defined role of INEC as provided by the constitution.
``We have very clearly defined criteria for eligibility and for disqualification.
Any Nigerian that falls short of such conditions will not contest for any election.
``Our job is to make sure that whoever is selected by the party satisfies the constitutional provisions and most Nigerians are happy with the exercise,'' he said.
Iwu said the verification of candidates for state and national assemblies would hold between Jan. 10, and Jan. 17, governorship on Jan. 21, and presidential from Jan. 22 to Jan. 23.
On the report that Vice President Atiku Abubakar's indictment by an administrative panel had been nullified by the court, Iwu said: ``We cannot decide wether the court is competent or not except in a court. Nothing is sacrosanct."
Iwu said the commission would resist any intimidation and reiterated the commission's resolve to conduct free and fair elections in April.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu state, Dr Abdu Bulama, who welcomed Iwu, thanked him for his laudable programmes and policies to reposition the commission.
Bulama pledged the loyalty and support of staff and said they would adopt appropriate strategies to face the challenges of the job.