By Adekola Afolabi

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A Constitutional lawyer and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Dr Tunji Abayomi has cautioned the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party over the controversial Form 18 ‘Letter of Withdrawal’ attached to the Expression of Interest and Nomination describing it as an arm-twisting tactics that defeat freedom of democracy.

Abayomi  noted that in a democracy you don’t compel aspirants to sign the so called voluntary letters of withdrawal involuntarily, saying that holding aspirants to ransom defeats the freedom of democracy.

The Human  Rights Activist in a statement tilted “A note to NWC and APC National Chairman” stated  that democracy is unalterably placed on written laws saying “I see nothing in APC, Nigerian Constitution or Electoral Act 2022 or even the norms of democracy that supports subjecting aspirants to any invidious withdraw before contest.

He specifically called on National Chairman and Members of APC NWC to as a matter of urgency do something on the issue, noting that democracy is all  about the wish and will of our people and not  the goading desire of leaders for a particular end.

Abayomi noted that in view of the new criteria attached to APC Nomination form it was important to clarify some issues if the present NWC wishes to sustain respect and avoid falling into infamy.

“First, in a democracy you don’t tell people not to go to court unless you guarantee them the right to due process. The right to approach the court for remedy is a preeminent constitutional right in all democracies.

“Second, in a democracy you don’t ask the people  to accept the result of any election unless it is free, fair, unencumbered and democratic. The constitution grants each partaker the right to challenge unfair elections in court.

“In consequence, the additional conditions or criteria at page 18 of your Nomination Form being contrary to the laws and norms of democracy, particularly the so called voluntary letter of withdrawal before participating in the forthcoming primary and as these conditions are invidious, improper, unconstitutional they should immediately  be expunged”, he added.