Independent Candidacy In Nigeria, Not Practicable

A pro democracy group, the Movement for the Sustenance of Democracy in Nigeria, has said that independent candidacy in the country’s polity is not practicable.

The Executive Director of the group, Dr Ken Anozie, told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday that  independent candidacy could be practicable only where there were two or three parties.

Anozie cautioned against the adoption of independent candidacy in future elections.

“You will find out that at the end of the day, only the money bags would become independent candidates. 

“You will see drug barons coming to contest elections, you will see money launderers coming to contest elections.

“I have never supported the issue of independent candidacy and I know that a lot of problems would come out from the issue of independent candidacy. 

“If some body cannot contest under a political party, what is the need for him to contest elections in the first place?” he asked.  

“I believe that political parties should sponsor candidates in elections,’’ he said adding that the policy of independent candidacy would make only the elites to survive the polity.

The House of Representatives had earlier in the week approved the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Review Committee’s recommendation allowing for independent candidacy in future elections.