Barrister Darlington: Electoral Act Allows Cancellation of Violent Polls

Abuja — Legal analyst and political commentator, Barrister Darlington, has reminded political actors and voters that the Electoral Act empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel elections in any polling unit where violence or disruption occurs, especially when such incidents are linked to members of a particular political party.

Speaking during a live discussion on VOP TV, Darlington emphasized that the law is clear on the consequences of electoral violence, urging both politicians and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during elections.

“According to the Electoral Act, if there is violence caused by members of a particular party at a polling unit, the election at that unit will be cancelled, and the people involved may be punished,” he explained.

He noted that political thuggery, intimidation of voters, and ballot snatching remain some of the major threats to Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the law provides for severe penalties for perpetrators and those who sponsor them.

“Elections are supposed to reflect the will of the people. Once violence takes over, that process becomes illegitimate and must be nullified,” Darlington said.

He called on INEC, security agencies, and the judiciary to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act without bias, stressing that selective enforcement only emboldens offenders.

“The law must not be applied based on who is involved. Justice must be blind — otherwise, we will continue to have violent elections,” he added.

Observers have urged INEC to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms and ensure that future elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and fairness, free from intimidation and political interference.