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The Lagos State chapter of Labour Party (LP) has instituted a suit before a Federal High Court, Lagos, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lagos State independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), over non-use of card readers in the forth coming local government election in the state.
Labour Party through its Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Abiodun Popoola, in the reliefs sought before the court, wants a declaration that the provisions of LASIEC law do not prohibit the use of card reader during the conduct of election of the state’s Local Government councils and local Council development areas.
The plaintiff also seeks a court declaration that the decision of LASIEC against the use of card reader during the forthcoming council election is a calculated attempt to avoid a free and fair election.
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They said the coming election can only be free and fair with the supply and use of INEC’s Voter’s register back up with card reader.
LP wants the court to make an order directing INEC to provide its Voter’s register backed up with card reader for LASIEC, for the conduct of July 22, local government election. And an order compelling LASIEC to make use of the card reader, for avoidance of multiple voting, and for the purpose of free and fair July 22, local government election.
In response to the suit, LASIEC, in its counter-affidavit deposed to by Henry Raphael, a litigation Officer in the Law firm of Gbangbola Sola & Associate, stated that accreditation in election process can either be done by manual method or through the card reader.
The deponent also stated that previous successful elections at the national or state level had been conducted through the manual accreditation. And that it has always conducted free and fair elections in the state through various agents and staff adopting manual accreditation.
However, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, after listening to the argument from both parties, adjourned till July 7, for judgment.
