AC candidates make U-turn over INEC verification of claims
DESPITE initial criticism that greeted INEC verification of candidate certificates, AC governorship candidates hailed the exercise, saying it was a welcome development.
AC leadership had earlier directed all its candidates to boycott INEC verification of candidates' particulars, describing it as unconstitutional and a ploy to disqualify its candidates.
But INEC explained that the exercise was to verify original certificates submitted to it by candidates in their respective nomination forms, insisting that it had constitutional powers to do so.
At the verification centre in INEC in Abuja, virtually all the AC candidates from the 36 states were present alongside their other colleagues from other registered parties.
Speaking on the verification, Enugu AC governorship candidate, Mr Dubem Onyia, said it was a harmless exercise involving showing of original certificates of their claims in the nomination forms.
He said the initial directive of the party was vacated when it was leant that it was mere verification but not screening, ``which I think, it's within INEC's power to do''.
To Babatunde Fashola, AC-Lagos, the exercise was in order as it was not aimed at disqualifying any candidate but to assist them in seeing that all their documents were intact.
Dr. Obasi Obasi, AC-Ebonyi, noted that the verification was not as difficult as it was portrayed, adding that he concluded the exercise in less than five minutes.
For Mr Tonye Princewill of AC-Rivers, the exercise was commendable, adding that the verification team was friendly in its approach.
Others who commended the verification process were James Iniama, AC-Akwa Ibom; Denzil Kentebe, AC-Bayelsa; Dipo Dina AC-Ogun and Emmanuel Ibeshi AC-Cross River.
the AC governorship candidate in Osun, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola, said he had a brilliant session with INEC officials, noting that there was no petition against him.
Aregbesola, however, said the exercise was unnecessary considering the efforts, time and risk involved in travelling down to Abuja only to show the original of one's certificates in only three minutes.
Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf AC Taraba, said the exercise was hitch-free and should not have attracted any alarm except where candidates had anything to hide.
NLC President, Adams Oshiomhole AC-Edo, okayed the process of verification but urged Nigerians to be vigilant.
He called on Nigerians to support the electoral body to enable it conduct free, fair and credible elections in April.
Both Alhaji Abubakar Hashidu and Col. Musa Mohammed (Rtd) AC-Gombe also commended the initiative of INEC in verifying candidates' claims.
NAN reports that the duo were at loggerheads over the ownership of the gubernatorial ticket for in the state.